90 NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. [No. 22, 



Anser fabalis (Lath.). Bean Goose. 



Under the name segetum, Richardson mentions this species as one of 

 the geese which are known to visit the Hudson Bay region, but are 

 rarely seen, being accidental visitors." 



Branta canadensis (Linn.). Canada Goose. 



An island in the northern part of Lake Winnipeg, on which this 

 bird is said to nest in considerable numbers, was pointed out to us. 

 "While descending Steel River July 9 we took a half -grown bird from 

 a flock of five. These had probably come down Fox River, where 

 the species is said to breed. Young geese unable to flv, probably 

 of this species, were seen by Alfred E. Preble on Churchill River 

 August 11. While ascending Steel and Hill rivers, August 31 to Sep- 

 tember 4, we saw one or two flocks daily. We shot one bird on Hill 

 River September 4, but found its preservation impracticable. 



Murray recorded the species from jNIoose Factory and Severn 

 House,* and Bell says it breeds on Churchill River. ' 



In former times, when the posts on Hudson Bay supported a much 

 larger population than at present, geese constituted a staple article of 

 food, and this species and JB. c. hutchinsi especially were shot in great 

 numbei's, both for immediate consumption and to be salted for winter. 

 Barnston, from the number recorded at the diiierent posts, estimated 

 that at least 57,500 were annually killed on James Bay and the west 

 coast of Hudson Bay.^^ At present the demand for the birds is less 

 and their numbers are diminished; hence fewer are killed. 



Branta canadensis hutchinsi (Rich.). Hutchins Goose. 



Several flocks -of geese referred to this species were seen on the 

 Barren Grounds near Hubbart Point August 16. 



Dr. Rae saw a female with a brood of j'oung near Neville Bay.^ 

 Macoun records two specimens taken at Fort Churchill by Dr. Bell, 

 and an e.^g obtained at Repulse Bay.-^ The species has been recorded 

 from other points in northern Keewatin. 



Branta bernicla (Linn.). Brant. 



Said by Swainson and Richardson to breed in great numbers on the 

 coast and islands of Hudson Bay.^ A specimen from Repulse Bay, 

 collected by Dr. Rae, is recorded in the British Museum Catalogue; 

 and Dr. Bell records a specimen killed at York Factory.'* 



« Appendix to Parry's Second Voyage, p. 364, 1825 (1827). 



6Edin. New Phil. Journ. (new ser.), IX, p. 225, 1859. 



<Rept. Prog. Can. Geol. Surv., 1878-79, App., VI, p. 69c (1880). 



t^Ibis, II, p. 258, 1860. 



« Narrative of an Expedition to the Shores of the Arctic Sea, p. 24, 1850. 



/Catalogue Canadian Birds, Part 1, p. 120, 1900. 



H Fauna Boreali-Americana, II, p. 469, 1831. 



AProc. Royal Soc. Canada, 1882, I, Sec. IV, p. 51 (1883). 



