344 RURAL BIRD LIFE. 



rivers. It is also known as the mute Swan, a name 

 acquired by its silent habits, its only voice usually being 

 a hissing note. 



If the Swan be allowed the use of his pinions, he will 

 not unfrequently visit neighbouring waters. The Swan 

 upon the wing perhaps appears still more noble than when 

 upon the water. His immense stretch of wing speedily 

 carries him into the highest ether, and he pursues his 

 journey in safety ; for there is not a bird that cleaves 

 the air dare attack him, save, indeed, of his own species, 

 and from the fire-arms of man he is safe as long as he 

 keeps the sky. When he is about to alight you see 

 him gradually descend in circles, the sunlight causing 

 his plumage to shine with a radiant fairness, and to 

 contrast richly with the deep blue of heaven, and after 

 coursing over the water for several times he finally 

 alights, and, gracefully folding his wings, pursues his way, 

 this time aided by his oar-like feet, through the waters 

 in the direction his wants or his whims impel. 



The Swan pairs for life, and each pair of birds keeps 

 zealous guard over certain parts of the waters, repelling 

 all intruders with a fury unlocked for in what we are apt 

 to suppose so gentle a bird. I have seen two male Swans 

 fight with such fury as to cover the water with foam, 

 striking at each other with their muscular wings, and 

 seizing each other's beak with great tenacity, all the 

 time keeping up a hissing noise. These combats continue 

 until one of the birds retreats, worn out and conquered, 

 leaving" the troubled water covered with feathers, while 



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the victor sails triumphantly off, to guard with still 

 greater care any further encroachment on his privacy. 



Swans do not always breed each successive season, 

 sometimes only at intervals of two and sometimes three 

 years. If the water contains an island, so much the 



