WHITE-FKONTED GOOSE 59 



approached the edge of the tide the sentinels appeared 

 to grow less anxious, and bending their necks towards the 

 water, commenced to feed on the surface. 



This species is, with the exception perhaps of the 

 Brent, the most abundant of the Wild Geese which visit 

 Ireland, and the one most frequently exposed for sale in 

 poulterers' shops. The Bean-Goose is more common in 

 England. The White-fronted is easily tamed and thrives 

 well in captivity. Illustrative of the affection which this bird 

 may foster for other animals, I cite an incident con- 

 cerning a White-fronted Goose, a cat and a retriever dog. 

 The bird grew so fond of these animals that it was permitted 

 to sleep and feed in the same outhouse. The case is remark- 

 able as the dog had previously retrieved the bird, winged by 

 a sportsman, from the water, and dragged it ashore, shaking 

 it considerably before landing it at the gunner's side. The 

 bird must have been strong to have survived such treat- 

 ment, however, it recovered and lived for several years. 

 The White-fronted Goose has repeatedly bred in captivity 

 and hybrids have been raised. The flesh, especially that of 

 the young bird, is well flavoured if the bird is in good 

 condition. Some authorities think that this species has 

 close ancestral affinities with our tame bird. 



Flight. The flight resembles that of the Grey Lag. 



Voice. The note is a harsh croak. 



Food. This Goose ' grazes ' to a large extent in fields 

 of short grass and clover, but other vegetable substances, 

 including seaweeds, are also eaten. 



Nest. The site of the nest and the materials used for its 

 construction, do not differ to any extent from those of the 

 last species. The eggs, five to seven in number, are creamy- 

 white. Incubation begins in June. 



Geographical distribution. This Goose nests in Northern 

 Kussia, Iceland and Arctic Siberia. It is plentiful on the 

 lower Yenesei (Popham) and according to Middendorff, 

 it is the most common Goose in the Taimyr district. On 

 passage, in winter, it is widely distributed over the Conti- 

 nents of Europe and Asia, reaching India, Egypt and Nubia. 



DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS. 



PLUMAGE. Adult male nuptial. Encircling the base 

 of the beak is a broad white band ; head, neck, back, wings 

 and tail, brownish ; breast and abdomen, brownish-white and 



