BRENT GOOSE. 
205 
wing from flexure 17 ; tail 6 ; tlie feet extend beyond the tail 3£ inches. 
Weight 4 lbs. 1 oz. 
Adult Female. 
The female, which is much smaller, has the same colours, the black parts 
being tinged with brown, and the tints generally duller. 
Length 23J inches, extent of wings 4 feet 4 inches ; the feet extend beyond 
the tail 21 inches. Weight 2 lbs. 9 oz. 
BRENT GOOSE. 
Anser Bernicla, Linn . 
PLATE OCCLXXIX. — Male axd Female. 
The extent of the migrations of this species remains as yet unknown. Ita 
progress along our Atlantic shores in October, November, and December, is 
varied, and in a great measure uncertain, it being apparently induced to tarry 
or to proceed by the changes which may happen in the temperature. It in 
fact appears to remain along the coast until forced away by the intensity of 
the cold, when it resumes its flight, and removes to countries beyond the 
southern limits of the United States. 
The Brent Goose may be considered as a salt-water bird, for it never 
ascends our rivers beyond the influence of the tides, nor is found on inland 
lakes or ponds, unless it be wounded, and happen to alight accidentally in 
such places. To this natural predilection for salt-water may be attributed 
its habit of flying round the projections of capes and headlands : it very 
seldom passing directly over a neck of land, unless suddenly surprised and 
alarmed by the gunner. 
This species has never been seen by my friend Dr. Bachman in South 
Carolina. I never observed any on the lakes or shores about the mouths 
of the Mississippi, nor any where in the course of my route to Texas. 
While I was in that country, I did not find any person who could give me 
sufficient reasons for believing that it ever tarries there. Where it may go 
in winter is therefore to me unknown. 
The flesh of this bird I consider as excellent food. The young in autumn, 
