226 GAME SHOAL-WATER FOWL. 



the middle portion of the ridge, to the length of 

 an inch and a half, light flesh-color, and a large, 

 elongated patch of light dull purple on each side ; 

 the edge of the lower mandible and the tongue 

 dull, yellowish flesh-color. The eye is dark-brown. 

 The feet dull yellowish-brown, tinged with olive ; 

 the claws brownish-black, the webs blackish-brown. 

 The upper part of the head and the cheeks are 

 li^ht reddish-brown, each feather having towards 

 its extremity a small, oblong, whitish spot, nar- 

 rowly margined with dusky ; the throat nearly 

 white, as well as the edge of the lower eyelid. 

 The general color of the other parts is grayish- 

 white, slightly tinged with yellow ; the ujDper part 

 of the neck marked with spots similar to those 

 on the head. 



Length to end of tail, 52|- inches ; extent of 

 wings, 91 ; weight, 19 pounds 8 ounces, the bird 

 very poor. 



The swan is the largest, most spotless, and 

 most elegantly formed of all, wild fowl. No other 

 gives the sportsman so much pleasure to secure; 

 and as their general scarcity and extreme wari- 

 ness render their capture comparatively rare, espe- 

 cial pride and honor are attached to the event. 

 Though there are several diflferent varieties in- 



