22G 
ANATIU.E. 
N AT ATORE S. 
I. AN AT ID 
THE GEEY-LAG GOOSE. 
Anser ferus. 
Even now that the Gun Licence Act has silenced some few 
of the guns, there is but little hope that the Grey-lag will visit 
Shetland regularly. Many authors take for granted that it is 
a common species here, but it appears that even as long ago 
as the end of the last century, when guns were scarcer and the 
population was far smaller than at present, but few Geese 
were seen either of this or of other species. In fact, the Grey- 
lag may be regarded almost as an accidental visitor, occurring 
in autumn or spring during bad weather, and never remaining 
beyond a few days. Two were killed in North Mavine about 
eight years ago. It is said to have been shot frequently in 
Unst, but I never saw it during the whole period of my 
residence there. 
THE BEAN GOOSE. 
Anser segetum. 
This species also is but a straggler to these islands, appearing 
at the same seasons and under the same circumstances as the 
last. I liave met with it in small flocks, — twice in Unst and 
once in YeW. 
THE WHITE-EKONTED GOOSE. 
Anser alhifrons. 
Very large flocks of this bird liave been known to occur, 
but its visits are few and far between. I have been shown 
