ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL. 99 
presented a yellow shade, the sexes being thus early distinguish- 
able. The young Geese were completely feathered at about two 
months old, and resembled the adults, but with more grey, and 
the markings less distinct. 
I had my birds for two years before they showed any 
signs of breeding, when, about the beginning of April, the 
goose became very excited, began to utter a peculiar chattering 
cry, and to play with straws and flower stalks, like a second 
Ophelia, at which time, unfortunately, both the male birds 
evinced signs of strong affection for her, and she walked about 
proudly, with a gander on either side, while the remaining 
goose stood, drooping and neglected, in the corner. The birds 
now became so savage that we were compelled to separate the 
best pair from the rest of the flock, and to place them in a little 
run, with access to the water, near which they constructed a 
rough nest, depositing five or six creamy-white eggs with a 
greenish tinge. 
M. H. de la Blanchére states that this Bernicle will mate 
with the true Geese, and even with the larger species of Ducks, 
but that their offspring is incapable of reproduction. I have 
found it, except in the nesting season, to be very gentle and 
timid, being often cruelly persecuted by other Geese, and flying 
in terror before their open bills. It is necessary to remember 
this when placing the Magellan in a mixed collection, as there 
is great danger of mortal wounds being inflicted upon this un- 
resisting cowardly bird, which will suffer large pieces of flesh to 
be torn from its back without attempting any retaliation. This 
Goose will devour a large amount of grass, and is mentioned in 
the “Voyage of the Beagle” as living entirely on vegetable 
matter. 
Male.—Rather high on the leg; general appearance 
white ; back pale grey, lightly barred, as is also the case on the 
