THE BEAN GOOSE. 
39 
the Zoological Gardens, London, would not associate with a bean 
or a white-fronted goose, but did so immediately with a tame 
goose placed there, considers this an indication of the pair both 
belonging to the same original stock. Although disposed to be- 
lieve that our domestic goose is descended from the grey lag, I do 
not attach much weight to the circumstance alluded to by Mr. 
Yarrell, as geese of different species kept on ponds will often pair 
together. At Springmount, near Clough, a male bean goose, 
slightly wounded in the wing, was placed with a flock of common 
geese, from among whom he at once selected a partner, and 
thenceforth paid no attention to any others of her sex. He 
was evidently most unhappy when separated from her, even in 
winter, and on one occasion was the means of saving her life. 
The cook, being ordered to kill one of the geese, laid hold of the 
first that came to hand, which happened to be the wild gander’s 
partner, when so remarkably vehement were his cries, that even 
the uplifted hand of the murderess was stayed, and some members 
of the family, with others of the household, hurrying to the scene 
of uproar, the cause of the bird’s anxiety was discovered, and the 
intended victim set at liberty. This was told to me in January 
1838, and no further attempts have since been made on the fair 
one’s life. In November 1848, they were removed to a new 
residence, where they continue apparently as happy as geese can be. 
Lor several successive years after this pair became associated, the 
goose laid a full complement of eggs, and sat on them even beyond 
the usual time, the gander keeping company at her side during the 
interesting period, but, unfortunately, no issue appeared. On a 
subsequent year, the goose sat closely on an empty nest in the bog, 
her partner never leaving the immediate vicinity and guarding her 
most courageously. To test his courage, a person once lifted the 
goose off the nest, and threw her into the water, when her brave and 
faithful partner instantly advanced, making a loud hissing noise, 
and, flying at the offender, struck him with his feet and wings 
with all his might. During the last summer (1849) the goose 
laid a few eggs, but was too much disturbed by dogs to incubate 
them long. To the calls of his wild brethren passing over head 
