192 
FLIGHT OF THE GEESE. 
in lengtli, Temminck says that it inhabits the east coasts and 
marshes of the eastern countries ; seldom advances north- 
ward beyond the fifty-third degree ; is abundant in Ger- 
many and towards the centre of Europe ; and occurs only 
in its migrations, and in very small numbers, in Holland 
and France. 
It is said to have been at one time abundant, and per- 
manently resident, in England ; but it is by no means 
common now in any part of Britain, and certainly does not 
remain to breed with us. Macgillivray says that it makes 
its approach in various parts of the country towards the begin- 
ning of winter, and departs towards the end of April. It 
resorts to marshes, pastures, and cultivated fields; its food 
consisting of the root stems of aquatic grasses, young corn, 
clover, and other green herbage. Being very shy and vigilant, 
it is not easily shot, and when feeding in the fields, on the 
alarm being given by one individual, they all erect their 
necks, run forward, and uttering their loud, grating cries, 
spring into the air. Their flight is rather heavy and sedate, 
performed at a great height when they are proceeding to a 
distance, the birds on such occasions advancing in two 
lines, forming an acute angle. So Mant describes it :~ 
Alike in wedge-like ranks aloft, 
The Geese, with downy plumage soft, 
Or in the long-drawn column's range, 
As Nature's dictate prompts the change, 
Speed to the south on clanging pens 
To winter in the marshy fens. 
The Grey Lag Goose, which wing'd of old 
The cloth-yard shaft of bowyer bold. 
Of docile manners, mild, the base, 
So reckon' d, of the household race. 
Which graze around the farmer's home, 
O'er stubble-field and common roam, 
But chief in eastern fens reside ; 
Broad Lincoln's treasure and her pride, 
lie on whose bill imprest is seen. 
Thence named, the semblance of a Bean ; 
He who of white the double print 
Bears on his neck, the dusky Brent ; 
He his white frontlet's shining mark, 
Who circles with a margin dark ; 
And whilome deem'd from sea-born shell 
