THE COMMON BRANT 273 
selves as much as their anchors and road lines 
will permit. When, as the rising tide drifts 
them in, the flocks of Brants see these captives 
upon their little islands, they paddle in to clam- 
ber up and take part in their joys. The gun- 
ners, for there are usually several in a box, 
may make a heavy killing, each taking a sep- 
arate portion of the flock and raking it with 
deadly effect at a given signal. After a few 
such experiences the birds usually ‘‘tower’’ 
into the air to a great height and bear away 
for the north. A wounded Brant is commonly 
captured, for it seldom dives nor is it a fast 
swimmer. 
The name, Brant Goose, is a corruption of 
Brent, or Burnt, Goose, referring to its char- 
coal coloring. 
The Pacific coast and western country has a 
representative of the race which is closely re- 
lated to this species—the Black Brant. This 
also winters on the Asiatic coast as well as on 
our own. 
