Research source

I am still near, Watching the smiles I prized on earth, Your converse mild, your blameless mirth.[64

Date of account: Late nineteenth-century compilation
Source: The Ghost World
Reference: The Ghost World · selected passage 67
Rights: public_domain
Language: English
Record updated: 2026-08-24

Record summary

Yarrell has long ago explained, this mysterious noise is caused by bean-geese, which, coming southwards in large flocks on the approach of winter--partly from Scotland and its islands, but chiefly from Scandinavia--choose dark nights for their migration, and utter a loud and very peculiar cry

Published source text

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Source passage

Source text · mention only

But, as Mr. Yarrell has long ago explained, this mysterious noise is caused by bean-geese, which, coming southwards in large flocks on the approach of winter--partly from Scotland and its islands, but chiefly from Scandinavia--choose dark nights for their migration, and utter a loud and very peculiar cry. The sound of these birds has been observed in every part of England, and as far west as Cornwall. One day a man was riding alone near Land's End on a still dark night, when the yelping cry broke out above his head so suddenly, and to appearance so near, that he instinctively pulled up the horse as if to allow the pack to pass, the animal trembling violently at the unexpected sounds.

Historical context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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Modern context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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