PIGEON GOOSE. 219 



false idea of its structure, is so objectionable, that we 

 trust some of our higher ornithologists will propose a 

 better. 



"W^ithin these few years, however, the Coreopsis has 

 become not only a living inhabitant of our menageries, 

 but a perfectly naturalised species. The late Mr. Bennett, 

 who has very ably and ingeniously drawn up a complete 

 history of the bird, mentions that the Zoological Society, 

 in the year 1831, possessed no less than eight hving 

 specimens ; some of which belonged to George IV.'s 

 menagerie at Windsor, "^ where they bred as freely as 

 the emus" and several other Australian animals; having 

 all descended from one pair originally brought to this 

 country. They are perfectly tame, and in their manners 

 resemble geese, but show more disposition to become 

 familiar. 



Its manners in a state of nature may be gathered 

 from the various accounts of voyagers ; for Mr. Bennett 

 has clearly shown that this bird has been indirectly 

 mentioned in their narratives for upwards of thirty 

 years. From the notes of captain Flinders, it appears to 

 be partially migratory. Laballardiere tells us, that many 

 of those first seen by his crew, suffered themselves to be 

 taken by the hand ; but the rest became alarmed and 

 took to flight. Considerable numbers were taken by 

 captain Flinders's crew, both at Lucky Bay and Goose 

 Island, by knocking them down with sticks ; some being 

 secured alive. According to M. Bailly, who met with 

 them at Preservation Island, the pigeon geese were so 

 abundant, and so tame, that his crew procured sufficient 

 to subsist upon during their stay there. All agree in 

 extolling the delicacy of its flesh.* It seems to confine 

 itself to the coast, and to feed chiefly upon grass ; and 

 rarely takes to the water : its usual weight is from seven 

 to ten pounds. According to captain Bass, it has " a 

 deep, hoarse, clanging, and though a short, yet an in- 

 flexed voice ;" a description which Mr. Bennett says is 

 very accurate. With such a desirable bird for domes- 



* Bennett, loc. cit. 



