72 HOOPER. 



HOOPER. 



WHISTLING SWAN. HOOPING SWAN. ELK. 

 PLATE CLXXXVII. 



Gygnus ferus, RAY. WILLUGHBY. 



Anas cygnus, LINN.EUS. GMELIN. 



rjlHE 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 half 

 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, it is stated, 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. 



