BRITISH BIRDS. 237 



the Pink-footed Goose, (Anser brachyrhynchus of 

 Baillon) the habits and manners of the three 

 species being very similar. 



Wild Geese are very destructive to the growing 

 corn in the fields where they happen to halt in 

 their migratory excursions. In some countries 

 they are caught at those seasons in long nets, to 

 which they are decoyed by tame ones placed there 

 for that purpose. Many other schemes are con- 

 trived to take these wary birds; but as they feed 

 only in the day-time, and betake themselves to the 

 water at night, the fowler must exert his utmost 

 care and ingenuity in order to accomplish his ends : 

 all must be planned in the dark, and every trace 

 of suspicion removed ; for nothing can exceed 

 the vigilant circumspection and acute ear of the 

 sentinel, who, placed on some eminence, with 

 outstretched neck surveys every thing that moves 

 within the circle of the -centre on which he takes 

 his stand, and the instant he sounds the alarm, the 

 whole flock betake themselves to flight. 



Temminck says the Grey Lag Goose is abundant 

 in Germany and towards the central and eastern 

 parts of Europe; rare in Holland and France. 



