122 THE SPORTSMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. 



and here they spend the night in search of leeches and water 

 animalculae. Although the Spur-winged Goose often alights on trees, 

 it does not roost or nest in them, but usually deposits its eggs on 

 some dense reedy island, or under a low bush in the immediate 

 vicinity of water. During the night, and when on the way to and 

 from the feeding places, they fly very close to the ground, at an 

 elevation only sufficiently high to enable them to avoid coming into 

 contact with trees or bushes, and, as a rule, if not disturbed, will 

 nightly take the same line of flight, a circumstance which is often 

 taken advantage of by sportsmen. They are very wary and possessed 

 of great vitality, nothing smaller than buck-shot (except at very close 

 quarters) taking much effect on the leathery skin of the old birds, 

 the flesh of which is exceedingly tough, that, however, of the young 

 ones being tender and deservingly esteemed.* 



The Egyptian Goose {Chenalopex cegyptica). — {Berg-ghanse of 

 the Dutch.) 



This Goose has been more or less acclimatised in England, and may 

 be seen on most of the ornamental ponds in the London gardens 

 and parks. Being so well-known in appearance, a description is quite 

 unnecessary. It is the common Wild Goose of the Cape Colony, 

 and may be found in greater or lesser numbers up to the Zambesi, 

 and frequents rapid running streams as well as the vleys and pans, 

 being met with either singly or in pairs. Unlike the Spur-winged 

 variety, the moment the young brood is strong on the wing they 

 part company, and go into the world on their own account. It builds 

 its nest indifferently on dry land, or in shallow vleys overgrown with 

 long grass, and when on the wing continually utters an exceedingly 

 loud harsh grating note. The flesh is considered better than that of 

 the Spur -wing. 



The Dwarf or Pigmy Goose {Nettapus aurilius). 



[_Stze somewhat the same as the common teal of Europe. Head 

 and portion of hack^ glossy dark green; upper part of side of neck 

 and portion of cheek, a very brilliant pea geeen ; parts of cheek, 

 front of head, throat, and belly, white ; chest and portion of back, 

 brownish red.'] 



» If the variety known as Rilppel's Goose (PUctrotterus rucppdli) is really distinct 

 from the Spur-wing, both frequent the 'Ngami and Zambesi cou ntries. 



