98 BIRDS OF TIERRA DP:L FUEGO 



they are able to fly, besides destroying eggs too far incubated to 

 be fit for food. 



A common dish of the country at the end of January and 

 in the beginning of February, is a " cazuela " of goslings. At 

 this time, the parent birds resort to all sorts of manoeuvres to 

 draw one off* their young, leaving them scattered and squatting 

 motionless, while they themselves do all they can to interest 

 one and get one to follow them in the belief that they are 

 cripples. 



In spite of all, the Geese increase, and consume much grass 

 otherwise required for sheep. 



This bird and C. ruhidiceps commonly associate with one 

 another, but this is certainly the more wary. Hardly is its 

 colouring gorgeous, yet beautifully anserine, and well in 

 accord with the subdued tone of nature in these regions. 

 The difference in the plumage of the sexes is so remarkable that 

 at first it is difficult to believe them to be the same species, the 

 male being generally black and white, and the female black and 

 reddish brown. During the winter and early spring these birds 

 are exceedingly lean, when G. ruhidiceps — even when newly 

 arrived — are excessively fat. This female weighed 5 pounds 

 6 ounces ; the males, 6 pounds 15 ounces and 7 pounds 7|- 

 ounces — all in lean condition. 



In breeding time, the presence of the light -coloured male 

 standing sentry is a conspicuous feature in the landscape. 

 At Cheena Creek in the early days of JSTovember, I used to 

 collect the eggs in my saddle-bags, and bring them in for 

 food. As compared with the series in the British Museum, 

 the two eggs I have are distinctly larger : they measure 

 3*15 by 2*1 and 3'15 by 2'2 inches, as against the measurements 

 recorded by Gates — 2*8 to 2*9 inches for length, and 1"9 to 2-02 

 inches for breadth. 



