ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL. 75 
SNOW GOOSE. 
(Chen hyperboreus. Anser hyperboreus). 
Respecting the origin of this bird much confusion has 
existed, Wilson and Bonaparte considering it to be identical 
with the ‘“ White-fronted Goose,” “Blue Snow Goose,” and 
“Bean Goose,” in various stages of plumages at different ages— 
a theory which is now definitely exploded. Mr. Seebohm, in 
his excellent work on British Birds, states that there are two 
races of Snow Goose, a large and a smaller ; those which have 
been obtained in the British Islands being probably the Lesser 
Snow Goose (Anser hyperboreus). 
‘The larger variety, distinguished as Anser hyperboreus nivalis, is 
at present only known to breed ir Hudson’s Bay Territory, wintering in the 
United States as far south as Texas.” 
The smaller race is only known to breed in the Arctic regions 
of North-West America, but the author quoted, observes that in 
all probability its breeding range is much more extensive, and 
that it may eventually be proved that both forms nest in 
Siberia. Wilson and Bonaparte refer to the Snow Goose as 
arriving in large flocks on the Delaware River, frequenting 
those shores from November to March, ‘feeding on the roots 
of the reeds, tearing them up from the marshes like hogs.” 
Mr. Dresser observes— 
“‘That this bird feeds on rushes, insects, and in the autumn on 
berries, particularly those of the empetrum nigrum ; when well fed it is a 
very excellent bird, far superior to the Canada Goose in juice and flavour. 
It is said that the young do not attain their full plumage before their fourth 
year, until which period they appear to keep in separate flocks.” 
This bird is very shy and difficult to shoot, but may be caught 
in large carefully prepared traps. Lord Derby’s aviary at 
Knowsley possessed specimens of these birds, which were 
purchased at the dispersal of that collection by Mr. Castang, of 
Leadenhall Market; it is, however, but seldom offered for 
