Ml'TE SWAN. 55 



capacity, the hen bird takes the young ones on her 

 back, which she accomplishes by lowering herself a 

 little in the water, and occasionally assisting them to 

 ascend with her foot, and in this manner they are carried 

 in safety to some more desirable sj)Ot. The shape of 

 the Swan's back, which is very flat, is well adapted for 

 this purpose; and Avhen her wings are raised, the 

 young ones repose in the most beautiful and safe cradle 

 imaginable." 



