THE BEAN GOOSE. 89 



the Zoological Gardens, Loudon, would not associate with a beau 

 or a white-fronted goose, but did so immediately with a tame 

 goose placed there, considers this an indication of the pair both 

 belonging to the same original stock. Although disposed to be- 

 lieve that our domestic goose is descended from tlie grey lag, I do 

 not attach much weight to the circumstance alluded to by Mr. 

 Yarrell, as geese of different species kept on ponds will often pair 

 together. At Springmount, near Clough, a male bean goose, 

 slightly wounded in the wing, was placed with a flock of common 

 geese, from among whom he at once selected a partner, and 

 thenceforth paid no attention to any others of her sex. He 

 was evidently most unhappy when separated from her, even in 

 winter, and on one occasion was the means of saving her life. 

 The cook, being ordered to kill one of the geese, laid hold of the 

 fii'st that came to hand, which happened to be the wild gander's 

 partner, when so remarkably vehement were his cries, that even 

 the uplifted hand of the murderess was stayed, and some members 

 of the family, with others of the household, hurrying to the scene 

 of uproar, the cause of the bird's anxiety was discovered, and the 

 intended victim set at liberty. This was told to me in January 

 1838, and no further attempts have since been made on the fair 

 one's life. In November 1848, they were removed to a new 

 residence, where they continue apparently as happy as geese can be. 

 For several successive years after this pair became associated, the 

 goose laid a full complement of eggs, and sat on them even beyond 

 the usual time, the gander keeping company at her side during the 

 interesting period, but, unfortunately, no issue appeared. On a 

 subsequent year, the goose sat closely on an empty nest in the bog, 

 her partner never leaving the immediate vicinity and guarding her 

 most courageously. To test his courage, a person once lifted the 

 goose off the nest, and tlirew her into the water, when her brave and 

 faithful partner instantly advanced, making a loud hissing noise, 

 and, flying at the offender, struck liim with his feet and wings 

 with all liis might. During the last smnmer (1849) the goose 

 laid a few eggs, but was too much disturbed by dogs to incubate 

 them long. To the calls of his wild brethren passing over head 



