APPENDIX. 299 



think the Muscovy or Musk Duck may be kept with 

 some advantage to cross with them. Their offspring 

 grow to a larger size, and when properly fattened, they 

 are good for the table. Moreover, these birds, from 

 their singular habits and unique appearance, are quite an 

 acquisition to the poultry yard or farm. 



It has been said that the Common Swan will not breed 

 in this country, in consequence of the variableness of 

 our climate. But this is an error, probably founded on 

 ignorance of their habits, and the mode of propagation ; 

 for they have been successfully bred for a few years 

 past by Mr. Roswell L. Colt, of Paterson, New Jersey, 

 who has, by the by, a fine pond and every other ac- 

 commodation necessary for rearing them. 



Having written to Mr. Colt, a few days since for 

 information on this subject, I have just received at this 

 moment, the following reply : 



Paterson, December 31st, 1849. 

 DEAR SIR, 



You ask me what success 'I have had with my swans. 

 I got them from France four years ago last spring. The 

 first year, they did not lay. I suppose they were young 

 ones. The second year, I had two eggs which did not 

 hatch. The third year, I had five eggs, four of them hatch- 

 ing out in thirty-nine days. The fourth year, (that is the 

 last summer,) I had six eggs, all of which hatched out 

 on the third of June, also in thirty-nine days. The 

 swan lays an egg every other day, and begins to lay 

 here towards the last of April. I have lost two young 

 ones ; but on examination could not discover any cause 

 for death. 



Swans must have an abundance of clean water to 

 swim in. I feed mine with Indian corn, rye, oats, and 

 buckwheat, put at the edge of the pond, close to the 

 water, as they like to wash down their food as they 

 partake of it. When the cygnets are young, I give 

 them Indian meal, mixed witrTwater and boiled potatoes, 

 broken up. I throw into the water some clover, green 

 leaves of Indian corn, lettuce, cabbage, spinach, besides 



