302 VEKTEBRATES. 



The Bernicle Goose inhabits the northern parts of En- 

 rope and Amencs^ but during the winter it resorts to the English 

 shores in great numbers. It is an extremely shy bird, and cannot be 

 approached without the greatest caution and skill. Of the origin 

 of this bird most absurd tales have been told. 



The Tame Goose is so well known, as to need no specific 

 description. They are raised in large numbers throughout the 



Domef^lo Goose. 



United States, and almost every farm-house has its stock, which 

 are subjected annually to the operation of plucking, to supply the 

 demand for live-geese feathers. 



The Whistling or Hoopinq Swan inhabits Europe, 

 "Asia, and America. They prefer the northern regions of the 

 globe ; and in hard winters they appear in small flocks of eight 

 or ten on the coast of France, England, and other countries. On 

 the approach of spring they quit their southern stations, and 

 again retire northward to breed. A few, however, drop short by 

 the way, and perform that oflBce in the Hebrides, the Shetland, or 

 the Orkney Islands. In the two latter, and in the Faroe Islands, 

 large flocks of them annually arrive in October, and pass the 

 winter about the numerous fresh water lakes. In their migrations 

 they fly very high in the air, and in such compact array, that the 



