52 



HOOPER. 



WHISTLING SWAN. HOOPING SWAN. ELK. 



PLATE CLXXXVII. 



Cygnus ferns, . . . E.AY. Willtjghbt. 

 Anas cygnus, .... Linnj'EUS. Gmelin. 



The nest, which is of large size, as might naturally 

 be looked for, is made of rashes and other water-plants, 

 and is lined with down, with which the eggs are also 

 covered. It is about a foot and a half in diameter, 

 and is placed not far from the water. It is begun to 

 be made about the middle of March, and is built on 

 the ground in marshy places. 



The eggs are of a pale dull brownish white or pale 

 greenish white colour. They vary in number from five 

 to seven. 



The female sits for forty-two days. She and her 

 mate are united, it is said, for life. They keep the place 

 of their nests free from intrusion, and resolutely repel 

 its appropriation by any but themselves. 



