260 NATATORES. ANSER. 
contain those species which we are accustomed to term Wild 
Geese, bearing a great resemblance to each other in form, 
colour of plumage, and habits; and the Bernicles, of inferior 
size, with a shorter bill, and generally with black legs. 
From the central position of their legs, the moderate size 
of their feet, and the length of their tarsi, the Geese walk 
readily on land, and are indeed much more frequently seen 
there than on the water. They swim, however, with buoy- 
ancy and ease, but rarely dive, and only in cases of great 
emergency ; when wounded, perhaps, or otherwise unable to 
escape. In diet they are graminivorous, as well as granivo- 
rous, chiefly the former ; and for cutting such kind of food 
the laminated structure of the bill is admirably adapted. 
For this purpose they seek the meadows of the interior of the 
country, and resort much to fields of young wheat or other 
grain. From the great development of wing their flight is 
strong, and they make rapid progress during their migratory 
journeys, as they can move at the rate of fifty or sixty miles 
in an hour. In these flights they advance in a diagonal line, 
or in two such lines, meeting in a point like an inverted V. 
They breed in the marshy districts of the countries to which 
they retire during the summer months, laying several eggs 
of a white, or sullied white colour. The flesh of the species 
is well flavoured, and highly esteemed for the table ; and in 
some countries certain kinds constitute the principal support 
of the inhabitants, being killed in immense numbers during 
their periodical flights, and prepared as food for the winter. 
