314 



VEllTEBRATA. 



The Canada or Cravat 

 Goose, A. Canadensis, the Wild 

 Goose of tliis country, is a fine 

 species, forty inches long, often 

 seen in spring and antnnin in 

 large triangular Hocks, high in 

 air, and led hy an old and expe- 

 rienced gander, who frequently 

 utters a loud honk, doubtless 

 equivalent to the cry of the 

 watchman of the ship or the 

 city, "All's well!" Often this 

 sound conies upon the ear at 

 night when the flock are invisi- 

 ble ; nay, even in the daytime, 

 when they are beyond the reach 

 of vision, it is frequently heard, 

 seeming to come from the sky. 

 Immense numbers of these noble 

 birds are killed in Canada, as well as along our coasts, where they assemble in the autumn in 

 large flocks, and remain till driven to more southern climates by the season. 





THE BRENT GOOSE. 



/S.^ .,-,<>/ 



THE CEUEOPSIS GOOSE. 



Genus CEREOPSIS : Cereopsis. — This includes a very curious bird, the Cereopsis Goose, 

 C. Novce Hollandice, about the size of a common goose, of a dusky gray color, most of the wing- 

 coverts and secondary quill-feathers marked with round dusky spots. It has the air and manners 

 of the goose family ; is found in considerable numbers on the sea-shore of Lucky Bay and Goose 

 Island, at the southeastern point of Australia. It weighs from seven to ten pounds ; the flesh is 

 excellent. It has frequently bred in the Zoological Gardens of London. 



The Swan Goose, Anseranas mclanolema, found in Australia, has semipalmated feet, a knob 

 on the head, long legs, and a form somewhat resembling the swan. It was formerly found in im- 

 mense flocks in certain districts, and afforded a considerable part of the food of the natives, who 

 struck it down with their spears. At present, it is cliiefly confined to the northern parts of the 

 island. Specimens have been in the London Zoological Gardens. 



