THE CEREOPSIS. 



The Cereopsis 



The Cereopsis is a native of New Holland ; and though most voyagers who have visited the distant 

 shores on which it abounds have alluded to it as a species of swan, or as a goose, it is only within the last 

 few years that naturalists at home have gained an accurate knowledge of its true characters and its 

 natural affinities. 



The habits of the Cereopsis, in a state of nature, have been succinctly detailed by various voyagers. 

 Most probably it is migratory, at least to a certain extent; for Captain Flinders found it more abundant 

 on Goose Island in some seasons than in others. It frequents grassy districts and the shore, but rarely 

 takes to the water, its food being exclusively grass. Both at Lucky Bay and Goose Island these birds 

 were very abundant, and so tame that the crew of Captain Flinders had no difficulty in knocking them 

 down with sticks, or even in taking them alive. M. Bailly reports to the same effect respecting those seen 

 by him at Preservation Island ; and Labillardiere says, that at first they were so little alarmed by the 

 presence of man. as to suffer themselves to be taken by the hand ; but in a short time they became aware 

 of their danger, and took to flight on the approach of any one. All agree as to the delicacy of its flesh. 

 From the ease with which the Cereopsis becomes domesticated, we are not without hope of seeing this bird 

 added to the list of those which enliven our farm-yards, and contribute to the luxuries of our table. Ii 

 breeds freely in our climate, feeds like the goose, but is even more familiar ; and requires only that ordinary 

 attention which is always paid to domesticated ducks, geese, and poultry. Its voice is deep, hoarse, and 

 clanging; short, but inflected. Its food is entirely vegetable; a short, stout bill is requisite for plucking 

 it, up from the ground. In size this beautiful species equals the common goose; but its bill, as we have 

 said, is shorter, being very thick at the base, ami somewhat arched above. The top of the head is pale 

 grey, the rest of the plumage is slate grey. 



