BRENT GOOSE. 203 



wing from flexure 17; tail 6; the feet extend beyond the tail 3^ inches. 

 Weight 4 lbs. 1 oz. 



Adult Female. 



The female, which is much smaller, has the same colours, the black parts 

 being tinged with brown, and the tints generally duller. 



Length 23^ inches, extent of wings 4 feet 4 inches; the feet extend beyond 

 the tail 2\ inches. Weight 2 lbs. 9 oz. 



BRENT GOOSE. 



"["Anser Bernicla, Linn. 

 PLATE CCCLXXIX.— Male and Female. 



The extent of the migrations of this species remains as yet unknown. Its 

 progress along our Atlantic shores in October, November, and December, is 

 varied, and in a great measure uncertain, it being apparently induced to tarry 

 or to proceed by the changes which may happen in the temperature. It in 

 fact appears to remain along the coast until forced away by the intensity of 

 the cold, when it resumes its flight, and removes to countries beyond the 

 southern limits of the United States. 



The Brent Goose may be considered as a salt-water bird, for it never 

 ascends our rivers beyond the influence of the tides, nor is found on inland 

 lakes or ponds, unless it be wounded, and happen to alight accidentally in 

 such places. To this natural predilection for salt-water may be attributed 

 its habit of flying round the projections of capes and headlands: it very 

 seldom passing directly over a neck of land, unless suddenly surprised and 

 alarmed by the gunner. 



This species has never been seen by my friend Dr. Bachman in South 

 Carolina. I never observed any on the lakes or shores about the mouths 

 of the Mississippi, nor any where in the course of my route to Texas. 

 AA hile I was in that country, I did not find any person who could give me 

 sufficient reasons for believing that it ever tarries there. Where it may go 

 in winter is therefore to me unknown. 



The flesh of this bird I consider as excellent food. The young in autumn, 



