ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL. 81 
a few days, and fall at a lower level of the shore edge. The geese (and tiny 
goslings), while quite unable to fly, can meanwhile take very good care of 
themselves, thanks to their running powers.” 
I do not think that up to the present it has bred in the 
Zoological gardens. 
Male.—Head, back, and neck ash-brown; front parts 
lighter in shade; under body white, with a few large black 
spots scattered over the sides and under parts; upper tail 
coverts white; central tail feathers with a brown line; beak 
and legs flesh-coloured ; eye hazel. 
Female.—Inferior in size ; colour same as male. 
Young.—-When in down, upper parts are brownish and 
yellowish, white underneath, When feathered, colouring duller 
than the adult. 
Egg.—Dull creamy white; six to sixteen in number ; 
heavier than those of any other British species. April—May. 
Incubation, four weeks. 
Nest Down.—Whitish-grey. 
RED-BEAKED GOOSE. 
(Anser rubrirostris), 
This species is very similar to the preceding, but some- 
what larger, with a flesh-coloured bill, almost scarlet at the root. 
WHITE-FRONTED OR LAUGHING GOOSE. 
(Anser albifrons ). 
This handsome bird has obtained the name of “ Tortoise- 
shell Goose,” on account of the mixture of brown, white, and 
black in the plumage. Mr. B. Morris speaks of it as being 
easily tamed, which alone would make it a desirable addition 
