THE GREY LAG GOOSE. 
45 
which abound in the lake ; and an old swan which frequents it 
also kills them, in addition to disturbing and beating the old 
birds. These geese are as free as in a state of nature, but gene- 
rally admit of a pretty near approach on the banks of the lake, 
their chief resort, and then take flight either across the water, 
which is about an English furlong and a half in circuit, or alight 
in the middle of it, where they are free from intrusion. In 
severe weather they not only permit a close approach, but come 
to be fed. 
Eor the whole of this interesting information I am indebted to 
the kindness of Lord Enniskillen, who told me of this singular flock, 
and had all my queries respecting it replied to, the chief in- 
formant being an old man resident at Castle Coole for sixty years. 
One of the birds was shot and sent to me on the 14th of this 
month, that I might satisfy myself respecting the species. 
This was a very old male, 11^ lbs. imperial weight, and much 
the handsomest in plumage that I had ever seen, but rendered 
imperfect as a specimen, by a vile practice in this country, with 
respect to wild geese, of pulling out the quills, which renders 
the birds unfit to be “ set up.” The tarsi, toes, and webs of the 
feet were of a flesh-colour similar to that of the human hand ; 
bill flesh-red with pale orange towards the base of both mandibles. 
Nail of bill, white; that of middle toe, dark grey ; of outer toes, 
white : irides hazel. The blackish markings on the breast and 
belly appeared as in the other Irish specimens noticed at pp. 28 
and 29. The gizzard contained the remains of vegetable matter 
and a quantity of small pebbles. Though the skin of this bird 
was preserved, the body was cooked, and was partaken of by 
several persons, all of whom considered the flesh of a delicate 
flavour, though it was hard and tough, probably from want of 
being long enough kept ; it was very dark in colour. 
