374 



In Asia the range of this Goose is but ill defined. Dr. Jerdon states (B. of India, ii. p. 780) 

 that it is said to occur in the Punjab and Western India; Mr. Blyth saw a drawing of one made 

 in the Punjab ; Colonel Irby examined a specimen which was killed in Alumbagh in January 

 1858 ; and Mr. A. O. Hume shot two (Stray Feathers, i. p. 258) on the Jumna, in Etawah. It 

 is not improbable that it is to be met with in Northern Asia, though none of the Siberian 

 travellers include it; and it certainly is found in Japan, for Mr. Swinhoe states (Ibis, 1875, 

 p. 456) that he received one from Hakodadi, shot there in October; but he adds that he never 

 met with it in China. 



In habits the Pink-footed Goose is said to differ but little from the Grey-lag, which indeed 

 it more nearly resembles in plumage than it does the Bean-Goose. Of its breeding-habits but 

 little, comparatively speaking, is known ; and it is only known with certainty to breed in Iceland 

 and Spitzbergen. Professor Malmgren, who obtained its eggs in the latter island, says that it is 

 exceedingly shy and wary. In the early summer it is to be seen in small flocks on moss-covered 

 lowlands near the sea, or on rocky precipices where there is vegetation here and there ; but in the 

 breeding-season it is seen in pairs. When moulting, it frequents freshwater swamps ; and later 

 on, when collected in flocks, it is to be met with near the coast. 



Its nest is placed in prominent situations on high rocks, or platforms on steep cliffs, often 

 close to a river, or in some grass-covered place, and sometimes on high cliffs close to the sea on 

 the inner fjords. The nest is so situated that the bird can have an uninterrupted view from it 

 of the country round, and can readily see if an intruder approaches or danger threatens. Hence 

 it is difficult to shoot this shy bird even at its nest ; for the gander is extremely watchful, and 

 directly any one approaches warns his mate by uttering a clear whistling cry. In June the 

 female lays four or five eggs, which are hatched about the 10th to the 15th July; and both 

 parents assist in taking care of the young. I possess a single egg of this Goose, obtained on the 

 Swedish expedition to Spitzbergen, which is pure white, resembling the egg of Anser cinereus, 

 but is rather smaller, and the grain of the shell is somewhat smoother. 



The specimen figured is the adult bird above described, for which I am indebted to Mr. J. 

 Lumsden, jun., of Arden, Alexandria, N.B. 



In the preparation of the above article I have examined the following specimens : — 



E Mus. H. E. Dresser. 



a, ad. Kincardine, March 12th (J. Lumsden, jun.). b. Leadenhall Market, winter. 



E Mus. H. Stevenson, 

 a, d. Norfolk, December 30th, 1870. b, 6, c, d. Norfolk, January 17th, 1871. e,juv. Norfolk {H. S.). 



