﻿EGYPTIAN GOOSE. 45 



which it wanders at times to feed upon the pasture-grounds 

 in their vicinity ; by the sea-side it is not met with. 



In consequence of its ornamental plumage and productive 

 breed, many of this species are kept in a half domesticated 

 state in parks and pleasure grounds ; we have consequently 

 had many opportunities of observing them, when the peculiar 

 attitudes of the bird and its colouring, frequently reminded us 

 of ancient Egyptian figures and drawings. 



The food of this bird consists in herbage, barley, oats, 

 turnips, carrots, and cabbages, on which they thrive ex- 

 ceeding well in confinement ; also the roots of aquatic 

 plants ; worms, snails, &c, are greedily sought for by the 

 water side. 



In the warmer climates of Africa, this species builds 

 its nest invariably near the water, and frequently on the 

 edge of such springy places, as occur in the sandy, dry local- 

 ities ; the nest has also been found on the top of matted 

 water plants, the floating of which was prevented by the long 

 fibres that are connected with the bottom. The nest itself 

 is made of reeds, stalks of water-plants and leaves, being 

 lined with cotton and feathers. The birds pair for life, 

 and are much attached to each other, and their watchfulness 

 for their young is very remarkable. 



The eggs are from six to eight in number, and in size 

 and colour as represented in our plate. 



The general appearance of this Goose is peculiar, in con- 

 sequence of its possessing longer legs than any other of its 

 family; its body is generally carried less horizontally, and 

 its head more elevated ; giving altogether the appearance of 

 more dignity than is possessed by most of the Goose tribe ; 

 its walk resembles in some measure that of the bustards ; 

 and is pursued with ability and tolerable speed. 



e 3 



