50 BIRDS OF OHIO. 



tarian. This goose may be domesticated with little difficulty, 

 but measures should be taken to prevent its migration 

 when the season approaches. 



The migrations are not regular, but may begin late in 

 February and continue well into April. Few or none are 

 seen in autumn before the first touch of winter drives them 

 south. 



56. (172a.) BRANTA CANADENSIS HUTCHINSII (Rich.). 



Hutchins Goose. 



Synonyms: Bernicla hutchinsii, B. canadensis hutchinsii, An- 



ser hutchinsii. 

 Lesser Canada Goose, Little Wild Goose. 



Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 370, 378. 



Dr. Wheaton admitted this species to his list on the au- 

 thority of Mr. R. K. Winslow, who stated that several speci- 

 mens had been taken in Sandusky bay. No specimens seem 

 to have been preserved. A live specimen in the possession 

 of Mr. William Harlow, of Millersport, on Licking reser- 

 voir, has been carefully examined by Mr. W. L. Dawson, 

 and proves to belong to this form. It was captured in the 

 wild state and has been domesticated by Mr. Harlow. 



Subfamily CYGNIN^E. Swans. 



Two species of swans are found in the state, both of them 

 during the migrations only. They are seldom seen, except 

 when the weather conditions force them near the ground in 

 their migrations, when flocks may be noticed during the 

 northward movement. Such large birds, with such long 

 slender necks, could not be expected to dive for food. They 

 are not so undignified as to tip up, but simply immerse the 

 head and neck to glean from the surface of the mud bottom. 

 Their food is almost wholly vegetation, but some mollusks 

 seem to be eaten sometimes. 



