AND NEIGHBOURHOOD. 159 



the latter bird exceeds Bewick's Swan by nearly a 

 foot in total length, and by seven or eight pounds in 

 weight ; there is also a difference in the distribution 

 of the lemon-yellow colour on the beaks of the two 

 species*, but this is subject to variation; the more 

 important diversity of internal structure is fully and 

 very clearly set forth in the 4th edition of Yarrell, 

 where I find that the eggs of Bewick's Swan obtained 

 by Mr. Seebohm on the river Petchora are the first 

 identified specimens on record. I must refer my 

 readers for the little that is known concerning the 

 nesting-haunts and habits of this species to the very 

 interesting w^orks of the gentleman last named. It 

 is, of course, impossible to say how many of the 

 vague reports of Wild Swans seen on our coasts 

 during the winter may refer to the present species, 

 my own impression is that it is far more common in 

 our Islands than is generally supj)osed ; Sir R. Payne 

 Gallwey, than whom no better practical authority 

 exists on all matters connected with the pursuit of 

 Wildfowl, tells us that in Ireland Bewick's Swan is 

 very much more abundant than the Whooper, and 

 this statement is fully confirmed by many other 

 competent observers. 



* I am assured by Mr. A. Trcvor-Battye that the Bewick's 

 Swans observed by him on the Island of Kolgucv in the breeding- 

 season cf 1894 had yellow on the upper portion of their beaks. 



