THE BEAN GOOSE. 
G3 
when the geese only proceed inland for the sake of 
feeding, pastures or fields of young wheat are much 
resorted to, and often prove fatal from enclosures 
permitting an approach not to be obtained in an 
open country, and always difficult from their ex- 
treme -watchfulness and acute sense of hearing. 
Mr. Selby states, that “ in the early part of spring 
they often alight on the newly sown bean and pea 
fields, and is inclined to think that their trivial 
name has been acquired from their apparent pre- 
dilection for this kind of food.” (No doubt that 
of “ segetum" was received from frequenting the 
young grain fields.) “ At night, on the North- 
umbrian coast, they retire to the water, or else to 
some ridge or bar of sand on the sea-coast, suffi- 
ciently distant from the mainland to leave a safe 
retreat.”* Mr. Yarrell also mentions their arrival 
in various of the more southern counties, but at a 
much earlier period than they are ever observed in 
Scotland ; having seen them himself in the month 
of September, and being informed that they visit 
Gloucestershire oven so soon as the month of August, 
feeding at these seasons on the stubbles. This 
agrees nearer with their habits on some parts of the 
Continent, whore they have received the common 
name of “ Ole des momons,” or Harvest-goose. 
During their migrations, or in flights to any con- 
siderable distance, they fly high, and generally in a 
straight line to their point. They are sometimes 
very clamorous, and we have often been made aware 
* Brit. Birds, ii. p. 264, 
