266 THE SWAN 



of grassland, such as that of a village green or common, geese are 

 out of place. The small breeds, such as the Spanish, are, however, 

 sometimes kept on ornamental ponds and lakes, and when these 

 are surrounded by extensive grazing areas, the geese, if not too 

 many, say a male and two females per quarter-acre surface of 

 water, are useful in keeping down water-plants, and the land for 

 some distance around the water short in herbage and free from 

 slugs, etc. Nevertheless, they muddle the water, foul the land 

 precincts, and generally spoil both in appearance. 



FIG. 148. THE COMMON MUTE OR TAME SWAN. 



SWAN (Cygnus sp.). The common mute or tame swan (Cygnus 

 olor) is the only species which is permanently resident in Britain. 

 The nest is constructed of reeds and grasses, and is generally 

 situated near the edge of the water in some islet. The eggs are 

 large and of a greenish- white colour, and number six or seven, 



