596 THE HI. [CK BRANT. 



there aboul firsl of May, and breeding all along the river to the sea. On the Atlantic coast it 

 is rare. Audubon found tliem arriving ju.sl before the Canada Goose in considerable numbers 

 in Kentucky, betaking themselves to the grassy ponds. Of the different species in this country 

 tins is the least shy. The Hocks seldom reach above thirty to fift\ individuals. 



The male is twenty seven and one-quarter inches long, and sixty inches in extent of wing. 

 The sexes are nearly alike in plumage ; the female being a little less in size. The bill is con- 

 spicuous a- carmine reel. 



The European White-fronted (ioose is seen on this side the Atlantic at rare intervals as a 

 -t raggler. 



Tin. Canada Goose lit i •niiln i-ii mult n.sis i. or common "Wild Goose" of the Eastern 

 Stales, inhabits the whole of North America, breeding in the United States as well as farther 

 north. Ii is accidental in Europe. I>r. Flayden states that it breeds on the Yellowstone, and 

 ('ones found ii breeding in North Carolina. In the former region ii was seen breeding in trees. 



Dr. I 'ones says: ••This fad of arboreal nidification is probably little known, and might 

 even be doubted by some ; but, although I have not myself seen the nests in the trees. I am 

 perfectly satisfied of the reliability of the accounts furnished me by several persons, among 

 whom I need onh mention Mr. J. Stevenson, of Dr. Elayden's party. While I was in Montana, 

 I found the circumstance to be a matter of common information among residents, who 

 expressed surprise thai ii was not generally known. The birds are stated to build in the 

 heavy timber along the large streams, and to transport the young in their bills to the water. 

 This corresponds to the liabil in the wood duck, while ii is paralleled to the example of the 

 herring gull, which, according to Audubon, has been seen breeding in communities in trees, 

 though ordinarily ii breeds on the ground." The Noddy Tern is another example. The 

 editor of this edition has seen considerable numbers of this tern breeding among the low 

 bushes of tin- islands of Florida Iteef. 



A variety of this species is called Eutchen's (ioose. Dall found ii very abundant in 

 Alaska. This variety is peculiar to the Western Stales and Territories. 



Another variety is called the White-cheeked (ioose. 



Tin. Lakoek W hii i. i in. i. ki.u Goose (Bernlcla canadensis occidentalis.) Most people 

 have heard the In ml; In ml- of the Wild Geese, and have seen the triangular or V-shaped .croup 

 as they pass overhead : sometimes in heavy weather being within gunshot of the earth. 



The Canada Goose does not, though gregarious, seem to be fond of the company of other 

 species, as is the case with some. During its migrations it is always unaccompanied by any 

 excepting its own kind. Its Highl is strong, rapid, and extremely steady. The flock when 

 migrating (lies a1 aboul a mile in height. A variety of this (ioose is now recognized as 

 I he While cheeked ( ioose. 



I'.i.ai k Bkant (Bernicla nigricans). This bird is common to North America and Europe. 

 bul rare on the Pacific coast. This form the nigricans is rare on the Atlantic side, where 

 the common Branl is more familiar. At Egg Harbor the Brant is expected about the first of 

 October, or a trifle earlier. The lirsl Hocks remain but a few days, and then pass on to the 

 south, (tn recommencing their journey, they collect in one large body, and making an 

 extensive spiral course, some miles in diameter, rise to a greal height, and then steer for 

 the sea, over which they uniformly travel, often making wide circuits to avoid passing over 

 a small projecting point of land. Flocks continue to arrive, many remaining until December. 

 The Branl never dives, bu1 feedsal low water on the flats. The voice is harsh and " TionJcingy 

 About the fifteenth of May i hey are seen coming north, but do not si op long, going on to their 

 breeding places far north. The weigld of this bird is about four pounds, and its length two 

 feet; the extenl of wing three feel and six inches. The sexes are almost alike in color — 

 indeed, they earmol be distinguished. 



Willi the lovers of water-fowl the Brant is highly esteemed. "May Brant" is a term well 

 appreciated by I hem. 



The Common Branl (B. hroila) is regarded as a distinct species. 



