256 The Zoologist — June, 1866. 



the real lance-shape of the upper feathers, and the very distinct band 

 at end tells it at once from first winter in the cabinet. The lance- 

 shape of the breast and throat-feathers is also a distinguishing mark. 

 (In collection, October). 



No. 10. *Link 4. A mixture of second autumn, and the new trans- 

 muted feathers, which are similar to those of the adult. This transmu- 

 tation begins in November and extends to February. Cannot be con- 

 founded with any other stage, as the under feathers .aho turn and 

 become like the adult. Two birds in collection, shot on the 28th of 

 November, have the back and under parts dotted with new feathers. 



No. 11. In December the under parts are like those of the white- 

 fronted goose. 



No. 12. Two birds shot the end of January, 1866, have the upper 

 surface almost as in the adult. Some of the scapulars and wing- 

 coverts show the transmutation beautifully ; some feathers have only 

 as yet taken the perfect sha))e ; others have the dark band, but are 

 still bronze ; others are the rifle-green of the adult, with perhaps still 

 a light fringe or a tuft of brown at tip, which has yet to fall off, while 

 the greater part are adult. The sides of the throat are still mixed with 

 brown. Chin white, black feathers cropping through. Back, rump, 

 sides and thighs as in the adult. Under parts various shades of 

 brown ; great numbers of the feathers as in the adult. I rides rich 

 green. Feet still the same. Flesh at bill deep orange. (In collec- 

 tion). 



No. 13. Second Spring. May. — Very similar to the adult. May 

 be known from it by the pale feet, the orange flesh at bill and 

 frequently a little white about chin. It has no crest. 



No. 14. Third Summer. July. — Very similar to the adult. Feet 

 still distinguish it by their pale colour, the quantity of yellow at base 

 of bill, by its having no crest, and also by the faded though still perfect 

 plumage of the adult. It does not breed at this age. This is con- 

 sidered the adult by many, and all authors I have read. Hence we 

 read that the adult's plumage fades by the summer sun, and that the 

 crest is lost after laying. 



No. 15. The plumage revives again in the autumn, and by October 

 the bird is in — 



No. 16. Third Winter. — Exactly similar to the adult, but still 

 crestless. 



No. 17. In the beginning of January the crest appears sprouting, 

 and by May the bird is most probably nesting. It is at all events in 



