448 GREAT CHASSE. 



the good properties of the boat, and on the strength and 

 endurance of the crew ; but if well appointed in all respects, 

 and everything goes well, ten to fifteen swans, by gun or 

 otherwise, ought to be bagged by a single boat. 



Wolf shot is generally used ; but at short range very much 

 smaller shot, if directed at the head or neck, or even at the 

 body of the bird when retreating the feathers being then 

 ruffled up to such a degree that the flesh is all but visible 

 would no doubt answer equally well. 



Formerly the returns at these hunts were very great. Six 

 hundred swans and upwards have been killed, or taken alive, 

 in a single day ; but at the present time, perhaps hardly a 

 tithe of that number is captured. 



Young birds are never seen at these hunts the plumage 

 of all being white, or nearly so. And what seems singular, 

 the number of males and females is about equal. The sexes 

 are readily distinguishable the bills of the males being 

 yellow-red, whilst those of the females are liver-brown. 



The peasants taking part in the hunt receive a small 

 gratuity for every bird brought in, whether dead or alive ; as 

 also remuneration for ammunition expended. The feathers 

 and down are retained, but the bodies of the birds are 

 usually given to the poor. Those taken alive are bound on 

 to carriages in much the same manner as geese with us, 

 and are thus conveyed to their several destinations, generally 

 the ornamental waters belonging to the neighbouring gentry. 



Accidents, though not frequent, do sometimes occur at 

 these hunts ; and instances are on record of boats, during the 

 ardour of the chase, and owing to the neglect of due precau- 

 tion, having been capsized, on which occasions the whole or 

 portions of the crew were drowned. 



