54 ANATIDiE. 



Eastwood, Kector :' — " Besides the advantages already described from 

 its local situation, this country has the peculiar benefit of possessing a 

 certain grass or sea-weed which maintains myriads of wild-fowl, and 

 gives them a taste and flavour superior to those of any other place or 

 country. The most abundant crop of this grass is found inside the 

 harbour, fi'om the island of Woodtown to within two miles of the town 

 [of Wexford], and to the extremity of the bay eastward. There are 

 two loughs at some distance, where it also grows, though not so pro- 

 fusely, and to these outposts the birds take theu' flight when the tide 

 rises in the bay above the weed, and make a pass through the aii' as 

 regular as if it were meted out, from which they never deviate. Under 

 these lines fowlers take their stand, often with great success, particu- 

 larly in dark and blowing weather. The number brought to market is 

 not easily ascertained ; it is, however, reasonable to state it at 200 

 couple a week for six months every year. The average prices may be 

 thus — barnacle, 6s. ; whinnard, 3s. ; wigeou, 2s. 6d. ; teal. Is. 8d. ; 

 and duck (least liked), 2s. a pair. Besides these, there is a great 

 supply of sea-fowl of an inferior quality, which are bought i;p and con- 

 sidered very good ; this sale produces =£80 a month, or above i61,000 

 a year [£500 for "six months"]. They are purchased by carriers, 

 who convey them through the country and into the adjacent counties, 

 and make a good livelihood by retail. Some are despatched in the 

 mail and day coaches to Dublin, where they are esteemed, and, as it is 

 said, many baskets are sent across the channel." 



All the statements respecting the habits of the brent goose 

 contained in these extracts is not correct ; but as it is pleasant to 

 see that the subject has long since engaged attention^ I shall 

 not be so ungenerous as formaUy to criticize them. I shall, 

 instead, describe in full detail, as at present known, the 



Habits of the Brent Goose in Belfast Bay. 



The old accounts of the time of arrival and departure are cor- 

 rect. The earhest period I have noted is the 20th August j"^ and 



* Their appeai'ance in this month is of common occurrence. The three latest 

 notes I made on the subject are — August 27, 1845. Brent geese have arrived in 

 Belfast Bay ; — August 24, 1847. A flock observed on wing above Lanie Lough ; — 

 August 25, 1848. Four lulled in Belfast Bay ; the eaiiicst this season, and no more 

 yet seen. 



