172 New S]>ecics of Anser. 



bird, being somewhat lighter in the color of its plumage. From 

 this I infer they become darker by age. It is a little larger than 

 the female, the bill being also stouter, measuring 5 in. high at the 

 base. When on a shooting excursion some years since, at Egg- 

 Harbor, I noticed a bird flying at some distance from us, which 

 our gunner said was a Black Brant. This was the first intimation 

 I had of such a bird. Upon further inquiry of him, he informed 

 me he had seen them occasionally, but they were not common. I 

 have learned from Mr. Philip Brasher, who has passed much time 

 at that place, that speaking to the gunners about them, they said 

 they were well known there by the name of Black Brant, and one 

 of them mentioned that he once saw a flock of five or six together. 

 From these facts it appears to be known to gunners, but has 

 heretofore escaped the notice of ornithologists. With all my in- 

 quiries I have not been able to procure any before this winter. I 

 think it a good and well-marked species. 



