TRUMPETER SWAN. 229 



wards them along the shores and behind the 

 points, until as near as possible without exciting 

 observation, if still too far, he strikes out boldly 

 in line for them, urging his boat at its utmost 

 speed, and, though working his best at the paddle, 

 being careful to crouch low and avoid all un- 

 necessary movements. At sight of him the swans 

 do not usually rise immediately, but sit turning 

 about perplexedly for a few seconds, as though 

 conscious of their danger, yet at a loss how to 

 escape from it; and finally, as their only expe- 

 dient — desperate, though preferable to remaining 

 where they are — they are compelled to fly to- 

 wards him, with faint hopes, by keeping close to 

 the further shore, of passing in safety by. These 

 hopes, however, to their sorrow and the sports- 

 man's joy, if he thoroughly understands his busi- 

 ness and follows it, are seldom fully realized. 

 His course, after they start from the water, is 

 simply to meet or head them, and when they 

 have arrived sufficiently near to choose his birds 

 and kill them. If he wishes one for food, a 

 cygnet (gray one) should be selected, for the 

 flesh of the young swan, though coarse, is tender 

 and exceedingly rich in flavor, while that of the 

 older ones is more tough and unsavory ; but if 



