191 



separated from tlie underlying tissues by a tense layer ot 

 air, looking like a blown out bladder. This is due to 

 distension of one or more of the subcutaneous air sacks. 

 H0RNBII.T.. (Mr. Castle-Sloane). Apparently well a few 

 liours before death ; fed on bananas, potatoes, biscuit, and 

 rice : On dissection nothing was found except a catarrhal 

 condition of the intestines (enteritis). It had been treated 

 with a dose of castor oil and brandy, which under the 

 circumstances was correct. 



Correspon&ence, 



A vSOCIABLE vSWAN. 



Sir,— Perhaps the following facts taken from personal 

 observation and experience may be interesting to some of 

 the readers of Bird Notes, and lead to further instances of the 

 intelligence and social instincts of these birds. 



In the summer of last year two cygnets were given to us 

 for the double purpose of adorning a small fresh-water lake in 

 the grounds not far from the house, and in hopes of their 

 keeping down a weed which had grown very thickly and 

 threatened soon to cover the whole pond. Tlie cygnets 

 appeared happy and contented with their surroundings for 

 some weeks, came regularh' to be fed once a day, and were 

 always together on the water, when one fine day one of them 

 suddenly rose up and flew over the tops of the trees bordering 

 the lake towards the sea about two miles off. It was reported 

 to have been seen in the neighbourhood in different places for 

 some weeks, but we never succeeded in re-capturing it, and the 

 probability is that it joined the wild swans which are numerous 

 in these parts. The remaining bird, deserted by its companion, 

 was very sad and lonely, refused to remain on the water, and 

 attached itself to the master of the house, following him 

 about everywhere, coming up to the stable yard, and mounting 

 the stone steps to the hall door and into the hall itself in 

 search of him. Every morning it used to station itself under 

 the study window, uttering a curious hoarse cry till the master 



