THE GREY GOOSE. 
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Geese, called in scientific language Anserince, comprise the 
first family of the Crihratores, or Sifters. They inhabit chiefly 
the arctic and antarctic regions in summer, and migrate in 
autumn towards the equator. They are decidedly gre- 
garious, and when in their migrations fly in lines, with a 
strong, rapid flight, usually keeping at a great height, yet 
being conspicuous objects on account of their large size, 
and attracting attention by their loud cries. They make 
bulky nests on the ground in marshy situations, and lay 
several eggs of an uniform colour, which is generally white, 
or but slightly tinged with green or brown, or some other 
tint. Next to the swans, they are the largest birds of their 
order, and important on account of the sustenance they 
afford in their eggs and flesh, which is savoury and nutri- 
tious ; and also on account of the useful purposes to which 
their quills, feathers, and down are put. They are slow 
and awkward in their movements on land, but in their 
native element they move with ease and grace. They feed 
on vegetable substances of various kinds. 
GREY GOOSE. 
The Thick-billed Grey Goose {Anser ferus), some- 
times called the Wild, Marsh, Grey, or Fen Goose, or the 
Grey Lag. Of this bird, which is about thirty-three inches 
