286 THE PRACTICAL POULTRY KEEPER. 



SWANS. There are six or seven varieties of swans 

 known to naturalists, but only three are at present, or 

 likely to be, domesticated in this country viz. the English 

 White or Mute Swan j the Australian or Black Swan ; and 

 the Chili or Peruvian Swan. The plumage of the two 

 first needs no description ; but that of the Chilian Swan 

 differs from either in being white on the body, with a black 

 head and neck, making rather a pleasing contrast of colour. 

 In size the White Swan is largest of all. All three varieties 

 are long-lived, and individual birds are reported to have 

 reached the age of one hundred years. 



The female swan lays in February, every other day until 

 seven to nine eggs are laid. More than five cygnets, how- 

 ever, are seldom hatched. The nest is made somewhere 

 amongst the flags and weeds at the water's edge, and it is 

 dangerous to approach either the male or female during 

 incubation, as they are very irascible, and a blow from their 

 strong pinions will even break a man's arm. 



On ornamental waters, unless there is very heavy 

 shrubbery or flags at the edge, a house must be provided in 

 the most secluded place possible at the edge, with a slatted 

 ladder leading up to the entrance from the water. In this 

 an ample nest or two should be provided. The birds must 

 then be left alone. They will want some grain in these 

 more limited circumstances, especially in winter ; and are 

 the better if grass be thrown to them, unless they can get it 

 themselves, as, of course, is often the case. The parents are 

 too jealous of the cygnets to permit interference, and will 

 bring them out themselves when ready, but some meal in 

 shallow troughs may be provided near the entrance. The 

 cygnets are afterwards best fed by throwing coarse meal on 

 the water, and later on will partake of pieces of bread, and 

 grain, with their parents. 



