118 THE SWAN, WILD SWAN. 



hope, ere long be regarded with abhorrence, even by the 

 lowest classes. The breed of this country is commonly 

 thought to be more bold and hardy than that of any other ; 

 but, in reality, the cocks of China are equal, if not superior, 

 to those of Britain ; and, as there are some who venture 

 large sums on the prowess of a single fowl, it seems ex- 

 traordinary that no pains have been taken to ameliorate the 

 breed by a foreign mixture. But, as cock-fighting is a 

 dastardly, wanton, and ignoble amusement, it is not our 

 wish to promote barbarity by new incentives ; since he, 

 who advises or recommends the art of cruelty, can scarcely 

 be considered in any other light than as an accessory to 

 the fact. 



By the ancients the cock was consecrated to Minerva, as 

 the symbol of vigilance ; to intimate, that genuine wisdom 

 is ever on its guard. 



THE SWAN. 



The tame swan is too well known to require a minute 

 description. It is the largest of British birds, and of all 

 others the most majestic and picturesque, when exercising 

 its native propensities in the water. It lays seven or eight 

 eggs, and is nearly two months in hatching. It subsists 

 chiefly on aquatic plants and roots, but sometimes devours 

 insects. 



The swan was considered as a very delicate viand among 

 the ancients ; by whom the goose, however, was repro- 

 bated as wholly indigestible. The revolutions of manners 

 have, it should seem, inverted tastes as well as opinions : 

 the goose is become a high favourite with modern epicures, 

 while the swan is seldom served up, except for the purpose 

 of magnificence or ostentation. 



The swan is supposed to live about a hundred years, 

 and is considered as one among the first ornaments of 

 rivers or artificial pieces of water. 



THE WHISTLING OR WILD SWAN. 



Is less than the tame species, and about five feet long. 

 The plumage is of a pure white : the bill is of a yellowish 

 white colour towards the base, and black at the tip ; the 



