50 ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL. 
birds were brought in by the natives between March and April, 
while encamped on the Herbert River in South Australia. It 
appears doubtful whether this bird has ever bred in captivity, 
and it certainly has not done so in the Zoological Gardens. 
According to Dr. G. Bennett, it is of a sociable disposition 
and when kept with other birds is lively and playful, drooping 
and refusing food when kept in solitary confinement. 
Dr. Bennett speaks of the Semi-palmated Goose as 
‘passing a great deal of its time upon land, only frequenting 
the lagoons to breed, or to obtain food. Mr. Henry Clarke, 
of Sydney, hatched several birds by placing the eggs, brought 
in by the blacks, under a hen; seven being successfully reared. 
The note is a shrill whistle. 
These birds were at one time plentiful in this country, 
being imported in considerable numbers, but have become 
scarce of late. ‘They may be obtained occasionally at from £6 
to £10 a pair. 
Male.—Bill, strong and hooked at the extremity, orange 
at the base, red in the centre, tip and under mandible pale horn- 
colour; head, neck, back, wings, and tail black; small wing- 
coverts, upper back, breast, and abdomen white; legs, long 
and bare, orange-yellow; webs, small. Weight, six to seven 
pounds. 
Female.—Similar to male. 
Young.—In first feather, splashed black and white ; bill 
and legs reddish. 
Egg.—Cream-colour; eight to ten in number; some- 
what small; September. 
