8o MUTE SWAN 



beyond that instinctively given them by nature, in the art 

 of swimming about and feeding themselves. Still, "the 

 attention," says Meyer, "bestowed by the old birds upon 

 the young is incessant; and when fatigued by the strength 

 of the stream, or requiring to be removed to a far distance 

 too great for their young capacity, the hen bird takes the 

 young ones on her back, which she accomplishes by lower- 

 ing herself a little in the water, and occasionally assisting 

 them to ascend with her foot, and in this manner they are 

 carried in safety to some more desirable spot. The shape of 

 the Swan's back, which is very flat, is well adapted for this 

 purpose ; and when her wings are raised, the young ones 

 repose in the most beautiful and safe cradle imaginable." 



The nest is repaired and enlarged year after year, and 

 this even to a greater extent than appears to be necessary. 



