118 MUSCOVY GOOSE BLACK SWANS PEA-FOWLS. 



middle species between the swan and the goose, is 

 sufficiently plentiful in Britain, and unites so well 

 with the common goose, according to report, as to 

 cause little or no perceptible difference in the pro- 

 geny. They are distinguished by their erect gait, 

 and the screaming which they continue during al- 

 most the whole day, without any obvious incitement. 

 The BLACK SWANS of New Holland I have not 

 hitherto had the opportunity of seeing. They were 

 introduced into this country some years since, but I 

 believe the number bred or remaining is very small. 

 They are said to degenerate here as to size, yet the 

 imported individuals, it seems, were not larger than 

 our indigenous breed. There is said, by naturalists, 

 to be some disparity between the wild and tame 

 black swan, in respect to the bill and organization 

 of the bones. 



Pea and Guinea Fowls, and Pheasants. 



The PEA COCK and HEN, and GUINEA FOWLS, 

 are always kept by the London dealers, whence any 

 person in the country, desirous of breeding them, 

 may be supplied with breeding stock. Exclusive of 

 the consideration of ornament to a poultry-yard, the 

 peacock is very useful for the destruction of all 

 kinds of reptiles, but at the same time some pea- 

 cocks are said to be vicious, and apt to tear to 

 pieces and devour young chicks and ducklings, suf- 

 fered to be within their reach. They are also de- 

 structive in a garden. 



This most beautiful of all the feathered race is 

 supposed, originally, a native of India, and peacocks 



