observed in the Vicinity of Wei Hai Wei . 
681 
Anser perus. 
A few wild Geese began to make their appearance at 
Shi Tao during the first week of October, but they did not 
stay there, and strings of birds flying at a considerable 
height could be seen making straight out to sea in the 
direction of the Yangtze. Later in the year these Geese, 
and doubtless several other species, are abundant. The 
Chinese inspire them with no fear and can get within 
twenty yards of them as they feed in the fields, but this is 
quite impossible for a European. 
The natives have a curious Goose-trap, used in hard 
weather, which may be worth mentioning. A bait is attached 
to a thin strong piece of twine and the latter to a ring, 
which is hidden in the snow or under the soil. The bird 
takes the bait and finds itself fastened to the ring, which 
it attempts to remove with its foot. The foot gets pushed 
through the ring and the bird, tied head and foot, is easily 
captured. The writer never personally saw a Goose captured 
in this manner, but there is no reason to doubt the accuracy 
of his informant. 
Branta nigricans. 
These Brent Geese were first noticed on the 14th of 
September, when a flock of five was seen. Others followed, 
but, like the Grey Lag Goose, all seemed very shortly to 
take their departure for the south. These Geese were only 
seen near Kyming Island and at North-East Promontory. 
Anas jboscas. 
Mallards occur about Wei Hai Wei as early as the first 
week in August, but are not numerous until about the 
middle of September. About North-East Promontory they 
were very abundant on some days. 
Anas zonorhyncha. 
This Duck may be resident on some of the larger lagoons 
of fresh water, but it was not observed before the first week 
in August. 
Querquedula circia. 
The Garganey was observed only at the North-East 
Promontory during the month of September. 
