39^ 



DUCKS. 



birds, in a change of feeding-ground, have been flying near each 

 other, the swan invariably passed with nearly double the velocity." 

 — Lloyd's " Scandinavian Advcntnrcsy 



The Mute Swan {Cygnus Olor), so called from its possessing only a soft 

 and rather musical voice, very different from the harsh notes of the wild swan, 

 is the well-known and graceful species so often seen adorning with its while 







XXWw 



^iMi IP ' ' 



7fx^. 



plumage and elegant form the surface of our lakes, rivers, and ornamental 

 waters. It is the only species which permanently resides in this country, where, 

 however, it is generally met with in a half-domesticated condition. During 

 the breeding season swans live in pairs, each pair keeping to its own locality. 

 At this time the male becomes exceedingly fierce, attacking any animal that 

 intrudes upon his domains. The nest is formed of a mass of reeds, rushes, 

 and other plnnts, and is placed close to the edge of the water, or amongst the 



