196 REMIXISCEXCES OF A SPORTSMAN. 



chase ; losing their feathers in August, so as to be unable 

 to fly. The natives, at that season, come provided with 

 dogs and active small horses, capable of passing nimbly 

 over the boggy soil and marshes where they most resort. 

 These birds are then so swift on their legs, that they 

 will puzzle a tolerably quick horse to overtake them ; 

 but the greater number are caught by the dogs, that are 

 taught to seize them by the neck. This throws them off 

 their balance, and makes them an easy prey. Many are 

 likewise shot and killed with clubs. The whistling of the 

 wild swan, when it arrives in Iceland in the spring, is 

 most welcome music to the ears of an Icelander, as it de- 

 notes the conclusion of his severe Annter, and a release 

 from his long tedious confinement. The flesh is highly 

 esteemed by the Icelander, especially that of the young 

 bu'ds ; so much so, that in summer or winter no enter- 

 tainment is considered complete without a swan. 



Their eggs, of which they lay four, and hatch them in 

 June, are also esteemed delicious food, and they are so 

 large, that one is sufficient for a man, without bread or 

 any other addition. The Icelanders, as well as the 

 Kamtschadales, dress their skins with the down on ; 

 sew them together, and make them into various sorts of 

 clothing ; and the covering of the legs, taken off" whole, 

 is used for purses, and is in appearance like shagreen. 



The wild swan is an extremely wary bird, and it re- 

 quires much caution, and some preparation, to be able to 

 get within shot of them. In a punt, when the frost is 

 severe, and large flakes of ice are floating about the 

 water, this is a favourable time for the undertaking. 

 The gunner, with his attendant, should be dressed in 

 white, in caps and jacket, taking care to examine from 

 what quarter the wind blows, so as not to have it behind 



