APPENDIX G 369 



Most of these were snow geese. It was estimated that upward 

 of 12,000 would be preserved in this settlement during the season. 

 The geese were reported more plentiful than had been the case 

 for several years, the number during an average season having 

 diminished very much compared with the abundance of long ago. 



Chen cacerulescens (Linn.). Blue Goose. 



A fine specimen of this beautiful species was obtained on 

 October 9 at Fort Chipewyan, where it had been secured. It 

 had been shot in the vicinity within a week or two. It was re- 

 ported to be the first one ever taken in the neighbourhood within 

 the experience of any of the hunters. 



Chen rossi (Cassin). Ross's Goose. 



This small goose, which is the latest of the snow geese to leave 

 the Athabaska region for the north, was observed on the Atha- 

 baska, between Fort McKay and Poplar Point, on June 1, when 

 we saw eight or ten flocks. Several flocks were observed in the 

 Athabaska delta on June 4. We did not again observe the 

 species until we returned to Fort Chipewyan, where on October 

 9 we saw large numbers preserved in the store-houses. They 

 had been shot in the vicinity. While ascending the Athabaska 

 between Mountain and Stony Rapids on October 18 a single 

 bird was observed and taken. It showed no wound, but was 

 most likely a bird which had been crippled during the fall hunt 

 and had been prevented from migrating with its fellows. The 

 following data were taken from the fresh specimen, a female: 

 Length, 21 inches; alar extent, 46; wing, 14. Weight 2J 

 pounds. Color, pure white; primaries, all jet black; primary 

 coverts, gray with black ribs; head, tinged with rusty; feet, deep 

 carmine red; viscera, healthy; gizzard, very large and crammed 

 with grass. 



Anser albifrons gambeli Hartlaub. White-fronted Goose. 



The white-fronted goose was first noted at the western end of 

 Aylmer Lake, August 15, when three were seen. Others were 

 observed on August 16 and 17 in the vicinity of some reedy lakes 



