ANATID^— THE SWANS, GEESE, AND DUCKS. 109 



ing an escape. When feediug, or dressing- their plumage, this 

 Swan is usually very noisy, and at night these clamors may be 

 heard to the distance of several miles. Their notes are varied, 

 some resembling the lower ones made by the common tin horn, 

 others running through the various modulations of the notes 

 of the clanonet. The differences are presumed to be dependent 

 upon age. 



Regarding the edible qualities of the swan there is great di- 

 versity of opinion among persons who have eaten its flesh, but 

 it is probable that due allowance has not been made for the 

 remarkable difference which exists between the tender, juicy flesh 

 of a young bird, and the tough, dry meat of a very old one. 

 A writer in "Doughty's Cabinet," above mentioned, (probably 

 Dr. Sharpless), refei-ring to swans on Chesapeake Bay, says that 

 this bird, when less than five years old, is by far the finest eat- 

 ing of any of the waterfowl found on that bay. It possesses 

 the flavor of the finest goose, and is .far more tender. The 

 length of time that its flesh can be preserved untainted is also 

 mentioned as remarkable, this same writer having seen one still 

 perfectly sweet four weeks after its death, no other method of 

 preservation than an exposure to air having been employed. 



The age of this swan may be known by the color of the 

 feathers, the yearling being of a deep leaden tint, with a deli- 

 cate red bill. In the .second 3'ear it has a lighter color, and a 

 white bill. In the third season the bill has become jet black, 

 and about one third of the plumage is still tipped with gray; 

 and until it is fully five years old an occasional feather will pre- 

 sent this tint of youth. This bird is supposed to live to a great 

 age, and its flesh becomes exceedingly tough and tasteless. In 

 consequence of this, the more experienced hunters of the Chesa- 

 peake usually allow the jjatriarchs of the flock, who lead in their 

 flight, to pass unharmed. TIihsc old leaders have a note thought 

 to resemble in a renuirkable degree the sound of a common tin 

 horn; and the unmusical character of their cries increases in in- 

 tensitv with their age. 



