THE SWAN. 



There is not a bird in Britain more graceful in its 

 motions or of such purity of plumage as the domestic 

 Swan. Wherever his snow-white plumes and large and 

 handsome form floats buoyantly upon the still waters the 

 scene is far, very far, enhanced in beauty. No wonder 

 he has furnished the bard of all ages with abundant 

 matter for song ; for to see this elegant creature, with 

 neck gracefully arched, wings slightly elevated, and 

 breast parting the glassy surface of the water, as he 

 starts forward in successive bounds, is indeed a sight of 

 matchless beauty. 



The domestic Swan, so called to distinguish it from 

 the other members of the Swan family that from time 

 to time pay us visits, and from its invariably living, in 

 this country at least, under the protection of man, is 

 seen on the ornamental waters, fishponds, lakes, and 



