SNOW GOOSFj. 101 



extremely noisy and gabbling, their notes being shriller than those of 

 the Canada or Common Wild Goose. They make but a short stay in 

 the winter, proceeding south as the severity of the weather increases. 

 They begin to return northwards by the middle of February, and 

 until the breaking up of the ice in March, are frequently seen in 

 flocks on the shores of the Delaware, and around the head of the 

 bay. At this time they are observed to feed on the roots of the reeds, 

 tearing them up like hogs. In their breeding resorts in the fur 

 countries they crop rushes, and collect insects and (in autumn prin- 

 cipally) berries for food, particularly those of the crowberry f Empetrum 

 nigrum). At this time they are seldom seen on the water, except in 

 the night or when moulting. When well fed the flesh is excellent, 

 being far superior to the Canada Goose in juiciness and flavour." 



They are also very abundant in Siberia, forming an article of sub- 

 sisteiace to the natives, by whom they are taken in decoys in great 

 numbers, which are buried in the earth, and being frozen, keep very 

 well, thus preserved, till they are "wanted for the table." 



Mr. Barnston has, in the article from which I have before quoted, 

 given a very interesting account of the migration of these and other 

 Geese, and of their great slaughter by the natives. He calculates, 

 and gives the basis of his calculation, that, excluding the Brent Goose, 

 nearly eight hundred thousand Geese leave the coasts east of the 

 Rocky Mountains for the place of their hybernation. Supposing that 

 each Goose flies one yard apart, this would give a string four hundred 

 and fifty miles long, and supposing " the rate of flight was forty miles 

 an hour, and the line led by one going straight south, they would 

 take eleven hours in passing any given object." Of this number he 

 calculates that sixty thousand are shot at the various stations. 



" In the fall, on some days, when the flocks of young Wavies are 

 numerous, and passing southwards, it is no uncommon thing for a good 

 shot to send one hundred to his lodge between sunset and sunrise. 

 In such cases he generally has two guns in the willow and grass 

 stand or concealment, and his wife or son loads while he attends to 

 the motions of the Geese, brings them round to the bush or wooden 

 decoys by calling, and fires as they pass. These Geese form the staple 

 article of food for rations at the Albany factory. 



They are the last to leave the coast for southern climes about the 

 end of September, some weak broods and wounded birds lingering to 

 the first week of October. They are deliberate and judicious in their 

 preparations for their long flight, and make their arrangements in a 

 very business-like manner. They leave off" feeding in the marshes for 

 a day or more, keeping out with the retreating ebb tide, and retiring 



