THE SWAN. 241 



THE SWA N. 



Of all the various water-fowls in existence, the Swan is the 

 largest, most noble and majestic. There are two species, the 

 pure white, and the black. They are natives of North America, 

 and inhabit the remote waters, beyond the molestation of man. 

 As the eagle is to the birds of the air, so is the swan to the 

 water-fowl. Nolan says : 



The black Swan is a native of Australia, where it abounds on the 

 rivers and lakes, and in various islands along the coast, and is usually 

 seen in flocks, which are shy and wary. Its first introduction into 

 Europe was noticed in 1726, two living specimens having been brought 

 to Batavia. Of late years this beautiful bird has been introduced 

 more abundantly here, where it thrives, and breeds twice in the 

 year ; and there is no doubt of its soon becoming almost as common 

 as the tame swan. 



Its plumage is black, with the exception of the primary, and a few of 

 the secondary quill feathers, which are white; but these are obscured 

 by the curled secondaries, which hang, plume-like, over them. The 

 bill is of a bright red color, crossed near the nail by a whitish band ; 

 its base, in the male, is surmounted by a slight protuberance, which 

 is wanting in the female ; underpart of the bill, greyish white; legs 

 and feet, of a dull ash color ; iris, red ; trachea, perfectly simple, not 

 unlike that of the common swan. The note of this species is harsh. 

 They are generally seen in flocks of eight or nine together, floating 

 on a lake, and when disturbed, flying off like wild geese, in a direct 

 line, one after another. 

 11 



