223 



not been observed. The Hooper feeds on aquatic 

 plants and insects, in the search of which it can 

 keep its head under water for some time, but it 

 never dives. Its nest, which is a large structure, 

 is formed on the ground with flags, rushes, leaves, 

 and marshy plants. The female lays six or seven 

 eggs, tinged with yellowish green. 



SWAN, MUTE. 



TAME SWAN. 

 CTGNUS OLOE, Temm. 



Our u Mute" half -domesticated Swan is too well 

 known to require description ; the large tubercle 

 or knob at the base of its bill at once distinguish- 

 ing this graceful species from its congeners. These 

 birds are far less numerous in the Thames than 

 they used to be. The greatest number at present 

 on that river belong to the Queen, and the Com- 

 panies of Vintners and Dyers own the next largest 

 proportion. The swan marks are made upon the 

 upper mandible with a knife or other sharp instru- 

 ment. This elegant bird is said to exist in a wild 

 state in Eussia and Siberia. 



