VERTEBRATE ANIMALS OF LEICESTERSHIRE. 199 
private waters, and so often contrives to effect its escape, that 
it is very doubtful if any of the specimens which are from time 
to time shot in a state of freedom are really wild birds. Harley 
states that one was shot close to Leicester on the 4th March, 
1843. It bore no signs of captivity, and had three companions, 
which went away in a southerly direction. This is probably 
the specimen which is in the Leicester Museum, marked in the 
old MS. Donation Book, “shot on the River Soar, 1848,” by 
Mr. H. S. Hamel. Another entry records that a specimen 
“shot at Oakham, November 18th, 1858, was presented by Mr. 
F. Palmer.” 
Anser cinereus, Meyer. Grey Lag Goose.—An uncommon 
winter visitant. According to Harley, shot in the county during 
the hard winter of 1842, and, according to Macaulay (‘ Midland 
Naturalist,’ 1888, p. 86), one was shot at Shangton on the 
12th December, 1882. 
Anser segetum (Gmelin). Bean Goose.—An uncommon winter 
visitant, which has, however, been met with in various parts of 
the county. The most recent instance of its appearance in 
Leicestershire, so far as I am aware, occurred in December, 
1880, when ‘‘a specimen was shot at Noseley by Mr. A. M. 
Hazlerigg.” 
- Anser albifrons (Scopoli). White-fronted Goose.—An un- 
common winter visitant. I have seen a fine specimen which 
was shot at Tur Langton on 18th December, 1879, by Mr. 
Owen West, as recorded by Mr. Macaulay (‘ Midland Naturalist,’ 
1882, p. 11). 
Bernicla brenta (Pallas). Brent Goose (“‘ Black Goose ”’).— 
An uncommon winter visitant, the occurrence of this species 
inland at a distance from the sea being very unusual. Harley, 
however, states that ‘“‘ several were shot in the lordship of 
Kirkby Mallory,” in December, 1844. The MS. Donation 
Book, Leicester Town Museum, records one shot at Syston, 
and presented by the Literary and Philosophical Society on 
January 28th, 1854. 
Bernicla canadensis (Linn.) Canada Goose.—An introduced 
species, often found at large, especially in winter. ‘‘ During the 
summer of 1844,” according to Harley, “‘a pair bred on an island 
in the middle of Groby Pool, but it was not certain that the eggs 
were productive.” There are two in the Leicester Museum, 
