THE SWAN. 9 



that of the goose above described, but is supposed 

 somewhat more mild and emollient. Many curative 

 virtues were attributed by the ancients to the swan's 

 skin, but modern practice only sanctions its use 

 as a defence against rheumatic affections; in fact, 

 the only worth of the very few wild swans which 

 reach a market, consist in their skins. Considerable 

 numbers both of wild swans and wild geese, have 

 been seen during the present winter, in consequence 

 of the severe weather, in the Fen districts and upon 

 the great estuaries ; as many as twenty-nine wild 

 swans in a flight. 



CYGNETS. Young swans are sometimes fattened 

 for home use, or presents, chiefly on the occasion 

 of great feasts ; in January and February they may 

 be purchased in the London Markets of Newgate 

 and Leadenhall. It is generally known to be felony, 

 to steal swans that are private property. 



E 5 



