eful appearance, nor seem endowed
with much intelligence, yet the ungainly creature, when in its natural
state, has an ease of motion in flight which will compare with that of
any of the feathered tribe, and shows a knowledge of the means of
defense, and of escaping the attacks of its enemies, that few possess.
There is probably no bird more cautious, vigilant, and fearful at danger
than this. Should their suspicion be aroused, they rise upward slowly in
a dense cloud of white, and sound their alarm notes, but they may not go
over fifty yards before they alight again, so that the amusement of
watching them may be continued without much toil or inconvenience.

The White-fronted Goose visits Illinois only during its migrations,
coming some time in October or early in November, and returning in March
or April. During its sojourn there it frequents chiefly open prairies,
or wheat fields, where it nibbles the young and tender blades, and
cornfields, where it feeds upon the scattered grains. In California,
Ridgway says, it is so numerous in winter as to be very destructive of
the growing wheat crop, and it is said that in the Sacramento and San
Joaquin valleys, farmers often find it necessary to employ men by the
month to hunt and drive them from the fields. This is most successfully
accomplished by means of brush hiding places, or "blinds," or by
approaching the flocks on horseback by the side of an ox which has been
trained for the purpose.

The White-fronted Goose is greatly esteemed for the excellent quality of
its flesh, which, by those who have learned to appreciate it, is
generally considered superior to that of any other species. While the
cruel pursuit of the bird, merely for purpose of sport ought not to be
continued, appreciation of its value as food may well be encouraged.

THE TURNSTONE.

This small plover-like bird is found on the sea-coasts of nearly all
countries; in America, from Greenland and Alaska to Chili and Brazil;
more or less common in the interior along the shores of the Great Lakes
and larger rivers.

It is generally found in company with flocks of the smaller species of
Sandpipers, its boldly marked plumage contrasting with surroundings,
while the Sandpipers mingle with the sands and unless revealed by some
abrupt movement can hardly be seen at a little distance.

The name Turnstone has been applied to this bird on account of its
curious habit of dexterously inserting its bill beneath