158 GRAY-LAG GOOSE. 



nail ; the distribution of the markings of the plumage generally ; the large blue-gray space 

 on the anterior portion of the wing; the flesh-colour of the legs and feet; and the voice 

 were alike in both." 



As a winter visitor, the Gray-Lag Goose has been met with in many of our counties; 

 though on account of its having been very frequently confounded with other species, it 

 is difficult to decide, with certainty, in which it has been procured. It is not only, 

 however, a winter visitor, but, according to Mr. C. St. John, breeds regularly in Suther- 

 landshire. He states that he found numerous nests of the Gray -lag Goose, (not the Bean 

 Goose,) in some islands in Loch Maddie, in Sutherlandshire ; also in Loch Laighal, and 

 Loch Urigil; and William Mordant Edward Milner, Esq., M. P. for York, in his account 

 of the Birds of Sutherland and Bosshire, says that he found the Gray-Lag Goose and 

 eggs on Lock Shin, Loch Assynt, and Loch Naver. 



In Ireland, the Gray-Lag Goose is of rare occurrence in the winter. It has only been 

 obtained in the midland counties, as Westmeath, Connaught, and King's County; and is 

 unknown either in the north or south. 



They breed in Norway along the coasts; also on the south-eastern shores of Sweden. 

 They occur in France, Germany, Holland, Italy, and Corfu, in the winter. 



As an article of food, the Gray-Lag Goose, when in good condition, is most excellent: 

 its tame descendant is so well known at our tables, that little need be said on the subject. 

 We may, however, mention that epicures consider the liver of a fat Goose as a most 

 delicious dish; and in order to enlarge it to its utmost extent, some have even gone so 

 far as to produce, artificially, this state in the shortest time, by cruelly putting out the 

 poor bird's eyes, which was then nailed by the feet to a board, and kept near a fire. 

 The state thus produced is doubtless one of disease, and we envy not the epicure's dish 

 when obtained in this way, or when of this kind: we would as soon eat carrion. The 

 ancients acted more mercifully, for they merely kept the Goose in a dark room, and fed 

 it with figs, which were thought to improve the flavour of the bird. 



In its habits the Wild Goose is exceedingly shy, and is quite proverbial for its vigilance. 

 When feeding, during the day-time, it is never off its guard; for while the flock is busy 

 picking the short grass, or gathering the scattered grains of corn on the stubble field, 

 one solitary bird is appointed to keep watch and guard; and on the slightest appearance 

 of an enemy, or any suspicious object, he warns the others by a peculiar cry, and the 

 whole body takes wing, and seeks more secure quarters. To stalk a Wild Goose is a 

 feat requiring much acuteness and dexterity; yet it may be done, should the ground 

 prove favourable, and the approach be possible against the wind; for this is the only 

 direction in which you have any chance of getting within shot of these wary birds. Even 

 during the night, when they have retired to the water for repose, one sleepless sentinel 

 still keeps watch, and his warning cry is an instant signal for his sleeping companions 



