White-fronted Goose. 459 



whilst his companions are greedily feeding, stands erect, looking 

 suspiciously round on all sides. I have remarked, when near 

 enough to hear, that the watching goose continually utters a low, 

 guttural chuckle, which seems to imply " All's well, all's well !" 

 On suspecting danger he is instantly silent. This cessation of 

 sound on his part is at once followed by the startled attention of 

 all the rest. This sentinel is from time to time relieved of his 

 duties by a companion.'* 



177. WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (Anser albifrons). 



This is really as common in England, if not more common, 

 than the species last described ; but it so happens that, with the 

 exception of the very reliable testimony of the Rev. G. Powell, who 

 tells me he has seen it in South Wilts, I do not chance to have 

 any other notice of its occurrence in the county, and yet it is 

 most probable that so regular a winter visitor to our island 

 frequently favours Wiltshire with its presence. Selby, indeed, 

 says that it is more abundant in the South and Midland parts of 

 England than the Bean Goose ; but it is the first to disappear at 

 the approach of spring, and by the middle of March all have de- 

 parted for their northern breeding-places ; and yet it has, time 

 out of mind, resorted to Egypt for winter quarters, like a wise 

 bird that it is, and was the most abundant of all the geese which 

 I saw in vast flocks on the Nile. Moreover, that it was domesti- 

 cated in Egypt of old is certain, for its portrait, as represented 

 on the walls of the temples and tombs, may be readily identified. 

 It is an inland feeding bird, and seeks low, marshy districts, and 

 not cornfields, for, as St. John observes, it is entirely and 

 absolutely graminivorous. The specific name, both in Latin and 

 English, describes its mark of distinction in the white patch above 

 the beak, extending to the forehead. It is also sometimes called 

 the ' Laughing Goose,' and is L'Oie rieuse of Buffon and Tem- 

 minck, from the peculiar note, supposed to resemble a man's 

 laugh ; and provincially known as the ' Bar Goose,' from the dark 

 bars upon the breast. This, and not the Bernicle, is the true 

 ' The Fowler in Ireland,' pp. 145, 148. 



