THE BRANT. 
183 
‘I'^quently occur corresponding^ in their markings with 
called the barnacle of Europe, that is, in having 
upper parts lighter, and the front, checks, and 
hin >vhitish. These appear evidently a variety of the 
''snt, probably young birds : what strengthens this last 
'“pillion is the fact, that none of them arc found so 
’‘“‘irked on their return northward in the spring. 
The brant is expected at Egg Harbour, on the coast 
New Jersey, about the 1st of Oidober, and has been 
„'“iUctimes seen as early as the 20tli ol September. The 
Hocks generally remain in tlic hay a few days, and 
j ®u pass on to the south. On recommencing their 
J*llrney, they collect in one large body, and, making an 
'’^tensive spiral cour.se, some miles in diameter, rise to 
* great height in the air, and then steer for the sea, 
which they uniformly travel ; often making wide 
{ •‘rilits to avoid passing over a projecting point of land, 
p these aerial routes, they have been met with many 
p*gues from shore, travelling the whole night. Their 
“"e of march very much rcscmhles that of the Canada 
|®o.se, with this exception, that frequently three oi' 
“"r are crowded together in the front, as if striving for 
Ph-'cedency. Flocks continue to arrive from the north, 
many remain in the bay till December, or until the 
'catlier becomes very severe, when these also move off 
^iilliwardly. During their stay, they feed on the bars 
, low water, seldom or never in the marshes; their 
P‘’*ucipai food being a remarkably long and broad-leaved 
. 'ii'iue plant, of a bright green colour, which adheres 
stones, and is called, by the country people, sea 
."“bbage ; the leaves of this arc sometimes eight or ten 
^' kes broad, by two or three feet in length : they also 
small shell-iish. They never dive, but wade about, 
'““dinar at tow water. During the time of high water, 
calm 
th, 
float ill the bay in long lines, particularly in cal 
^ “nth or. Their voice is hoarse and lionking, and, when 
lUe hundreds are screaming together, reminds one of 
„ Pack of hounds in full cry. They often quarrel among 
“Uiselves, and with the ducks, driving the latter oft 
th, 
“'f feeding ground. 
Thoimh it never dives in search 
