2822 Birds. 



such a remarkable fine condition, that the interior was coated with fat 

 of a peculiar oily nature, which whilst preparing the skin for preser- 

 vation oozed forth, and followed the dissecting instrument at every 

 incision. One instance of the water rail breeding here, was related 

 to me by a gentleman who was observant of the fact. A few sum- 

 mers ago, he killed two young birds not quite fledged, near Melbourne 

 Pool, which had evidently been bred there amongst the long, aquatic 

 herbage, which must have afforded them an agreeable retreat. 



Moorhen {Gallimda chloropus). Many moorhens inhabit a parti- 

 cular rushy creek : I notice that when it is flushed with water, the 

 birds will occasionally raise their nests, so that they may just 

 ride above the water ; but whether those nests contain eggs at the 

 time of being raised, I have never been able to ascertain, owing 

 to the peculiar treacherous nature of the soil by which they are 

 surrounded. 



Common Coot (Fulica atra). Breeds. 



Bean Goose {Anser segetum) . An occasional visitant to the Trent. 

 White-fronted Goose {Anser albifrons). Individuals have been 

 shot off the Trent in hard winters. It has long been kept in confine- 

 ment on an ornamental pool in Melbourne Gardens, and appears to 

 thrive well. 



Brent Goose {Anser Bernicla). In January, 1841, the Trent being 

 half frozen over, and the ground covered with snow, we were visited 

 by a flock of the brent goose, which in size, resembled a small wild 

 duck. One which was killed could not have weighed more than two 

 pounds. The notes to which they gave utterance, were like the 

 sounds of bells chiming in the distance, and were somewhat musical. 

 Canada Goose {Anser canadensis). 1849. During the second week 

 in May, a pair came and settled on Melbourne Pool, evidently with 

 the intention of breeding on one of the islands in the middle of it, but 

 departed in a short time, probably on account of the situation not 

 being sufficiently retired. 



Hooper {Cygnus ferns). Appear here at intervals, towards 

 Christmas, probably when frosts have sealed up the northern streams. 

 They may be observed passing over in teams, of from five or six to 

 thirtv birds during the months which occur between November and 

 March : and the writer, on one occasion, had the satisfaction of meet- 

 ing with a flock of twelve birds enjoying themselves on the Trent. 

 As they appeared but little alarmed, he crept within rifle-shot, and 

 beheld them sailing about the water's surface in a most majestic man- 



