liEWIlK S SW AX. • ;)0l 



of the now species, were observed flying ever CrunipsiiU in a soufli-easterly direction, at 

 a considerable elevation. They flew abreast, forming an extensive line, like those seen on 

 the 10th of December, 1829 ; like them, too, they were mistaken for wild geese by most 

 persons who saw them with whom I had an opportunity of conversing on the subject ; 

 but their superior dimensions, the whiteness of their plumage, their black feet, easil_y 

 distinguished as they passed overhead, and their reiterated calls, which first directed my 

 attention to thein, were so strikingly characteristic, that skilful ornithologists could not 

 be deceived with regard to the genus to which they belonged. That these birds were not 

 hoopers may be safely inferred from their great inferiority in point of size. 



" I was informed, that when the wild swans were shot at, near Middleton, on the lOtli 

 of December, 1829, one of them was so reluctant to abandon the bird which was wounded 

 on that occasion, that it continued to fly about the spot for several hours after the rest of 

 the flock had departed, and that, during the whole of this perio J, its mournful cry was heard 

 almost incessantly. In consequence of the protracted distuibance caused by the persevering 

 ertbrts of Messrs. Barton's workmen to secure its unfortunate companion, it was at last, 

 however, compelled to withdraw, and was not seen again till the 2ord of 3[arch, 

 when a swan, supposed to be the same individual, made its appearance in the neigh- 

 bourhood, flew several times round the reservoir in lofty circles, and idtimately 

 descended to the wounded bird, with which, after a cordial greeting, it immediately 

 paired. The newly-arrived swan, whidi proved to be a male bird, soon became accus- 

 tomed to the presence of strangers ; and when I sa«- it on the 4th of April, was even 

 more familiar than its captive mate. As these birds were strongly attached to each other, 

 and seemed to be perfectly reconciled to their situation, which in many respects was an 

 exceedingly favourable one, there was every reason to believe that a brood would be 

 obtained from them. This expectation, however j^^ was not destined tu be realised. On 

 the 13th of April, the male swan, alanned by some strange dogs which found their way 

 to the reservoir, took flight and did not return ; and on the 5th of September, in the same 

 year, the female bii'<l, whose injured wing had recovered its original vigour, quitted tlie 

 scene of its misfoilunes, and was seen no more." 



