CHAPTER XXIV. 



THE SWANS GREAT HUNTS, AND OTHER DEVICES ADOPTED TO EFFECT THEIR 



DESTRUCTION. 



THE Whistling Swan, or Hooper (Vild Svan, or Wild 

 Swan, Sw. ; Cygnus ferus, Ray), was exceedingly common 

 with us during spring and fall, when on its way to or from 

 its breeding-grounds in the far north. Some indeed usually 

 remained with us the whole winter, and so did numbers on 

 the neighbouring coast. It is common in Denmark during 

 spring and fall, and many winter there. 



During migration, the well-known voice of this bird is often 

 heard in the air above, or on the water. Though it consists 

 of but two notes, yet if the day be clear, in the early part of 

 the winter, or in fine weather during spring, it is beautifully 

 melodious; more especially as frequently happens when 

 birds of different ages, whose notes differ, take part in the 

 concert. Some think that in the distance their song resem- 

 bles the finer tones of the bugle. Kjserbolling likens it 



