69 



HOOPER. 



WHISTLING SWAN. HOOPING SWAN. BLK. 



PLATE CLXXXVII. 



Cygnus ferus, EAT. WILLUGHBT. 



A nas cygnu*, LINK^US. 



THE nest, which is of large size, as might naturally be looked for, 

 is made of reeds, rushes, and other water-plants, and is lined with down, 

 with which the eggs are also covered. It is about a foot and a hah 

 in diameter, and is placed not far from the water. It is begun to be 

 made about the middle of March, and is built on the ground in marshy 

 places. 



The eggs are of a pale dull brownish white or pale greenish white 

 colour. They vary in number from five to seven. 



The female sits for forty-two days. She and her mate are united, 

 it is said, for life. They keep the place of their nest free from 

 intrusion, and resolutely repel its appropriation by any but themselves. 



