OF THE BRITISH ISLANDS. 337 



other Wild Geese, although it is ready enough to fraternise with 

 its domesticated descendants. Normally this Goose is a day 

 feeder, but in districts where it is much persecuted, it changes its 

 habits and searches for its food at night. In India where the 

 days are very hot it does not feed much after nine in the morning 

 until about four in the afternoon, spending the interval in sleep 

 in some safe and convenient spot. In our islands many Gray 

 Lag Geese repair to the coast towards evening, and sleep on 

 some sandbank or low island ; others repair to wild marshes and 

 uplands to spend the hours of repose. This Goose does not 

 frequent the water much unless alarmed or during the helpless 

 period of its moult ; then the flocks often go for some distance 

 out to sea to rest. It swims well and buoyantly, and when 

 wounded is even known to dive, although it cannot remain under 

 water long. In India Hume remarks that it always prefers rivers, 

 and is rarely seen on lakes and pools. Although a wary bird it 

 is by no means a shy one, and if proper means are adopted can 

 often be approached with little difficulty. The stalker, instead of 

 advancing directly towards the flock, should approach in a side- 

 long manner as if about to pass them. The flight of the Gray 

 Lag Goose is rapid and powerful, and often very graceful, 

 especially as a big flock of birds survey the ground previous to 

 alighting. When satisfied that all is safe the birds often descend 

 with great velocity, circling and turning, and alighting on the 

 earth almost directly below them. The call-note of this Goose is 

 a loud, far-sounding gag-gag, which is uttered not only when the 

 birds are migrating, but when they are congregated on the ground, 

 or just after they are disturbed. The din of gag-mg sounds, and 

 the rattle of wings as a big flock struggle into the air after being 

 fired at, is almost deafening. This note is variously modulated 

 during sexual excitement or surprise. The food of the Gray Lag 

 Goose consists largely of grass and the tender shoots of growing 

 corn. Grain of all kinds is also eaten, both on the stubbles and 

 the newly-sown fields, whilst buds and leaves and roots of various 

 aquatic plants are sought. 



Nidification. — The Gray Lag Goose is an early breeder ; in 

 southern' localities the eggs are laid late in March or early in 

 April, but further north they are from three to five weeks later. 



z 



