230 BLACK SWANS. 



has provided them with a rapidity of motion in 

 the water which baffles pursuers : this excites 

 surprise in those who witness the manner these 

 little half-fledged creatures swim and dive, so 

 as effectually to avoid their numerous enemies. 

 A tyro, thinking it an easy task to capture them, 

 '' as they cannot fly," enters the river for the 

 purpose of taking some of the ducklings, but re- 

 turns exhausted after a fatiguing chase, without 

 procuring one to reward his trouble, marvelling, 

 as he directs his steps homeward, completely 

 crest-fallen, how the little imps could have 

 escaped. 



