282 
SWIMMERS. 
one of tlieir number usually as a sentinel to warn them of any 
approaching danger. The young fly about the close of August, 
and the whole depart southward about the middle of Septem- 
ber. Early in November they arrive in the river Delaware, 
and probably visit Newfoundland and the coasts of the Eastern 
States in the interval, being occasionally seen in Massachusetts 
Bay. They congregate in considerable flocks, are extremely 
noisy and gabbling, their notes being shriller than those of the 
Canada or Common Wild Goose. They make but a short stay 
in the winter, proceeding farther south as the severity of the 
weather increases. The Snow Geese already begin to return 
towards the North by the middle of February, and until the 
breaking up of the ice in March, are frequently seen in flocks 
on the shores of the Delaware and around the head of the 
bay. At this time they are observed to feed on the roots of 
the reeds, tearing them up like hogs. In their breeding- 
resorts in the fur countries they crop rushes and collect insects, 
and in autumn principally berries for food, particularly those of 
the crow-berry. At this time they are seldom seen on the 
water, except in the night or when moulting. When well fed 
the flesh is excellent, being far superior to the Canada Goose 
in juiciness and flavor. It is said the young do not attain the 
full pltimage of the old birds before their fourth year, and until 
that period they appear to keep in separate flocks. They are 
numerous at Albany Fort, in the southern part of Hudson Bay, 
where the old birds are rarely seen ; and, on the other hand, 
the adult birds in their migrations visit York Factory in great 
abundance, but are seldom accompanied by the young. They 
make their appearance in these remote countries in spring, a 
few days later than the Canada Goose, and pass in large flocks 
both through the interior and along the coast. At this season 
they were also seen by Mr. Say in the Territory of Missouri ; 
many migrating north, probably up the great valley of the 
Mississippi. 
The Snow Goose is also met with commonly on the western 
side of .'America, as at Aoonalashka and Kamtschatka, as well 
as in the estuary of the Oregon, where they were seen by Lewis 
