OP THE BEITISH ISLANDS. 319 



the stubbles, and also frequents the newly-sown fields at that season and in 

 spring to dig up the seed-corn as well as beans. Much of this food is sought 

 at dawn. 



Nidification. — The breeding grounds of this bird are situated on the 

 northern tundras beyond or near the limits of forest growth, in the vicinity of 

 lakes and pools. The nest is made early in June, and is usually placed amongst 

 the tall rank grass and sedge of an islet in the lake or on a hillock on the bank. 

 It is merely a slight hollow lined with dry grass and other vegetable refuse, with 

 down from the old bird's body. The eggs are three or four in number, creamy- 

 white in colour, and rather rough in texture. They measure on an average 3"2 

 inches in length by 2'15 inches in breadth. One brood only is reared in the year. 



Diagnostic characters — Anser, with the central portion of the bill 

 orange-yellow, black at the base and on the nail, and with the legs and feet 

 orange-yellow. Length, 34 inches. 



