226 WOODLANDERS AND FIELD FOLK 



summer haunts of their ancestors. At the first 

 sign of winter the birds rise from the secluded 

 swamps and lakes in which they are bred, the older 

 birds flying restlessly about for days. The darker- 

 coloured cygnets have been long in maturing their 

 plumage, which does not become white until after 

 the first moult. These are encouraged to fly with 

 their parents, and make long detours daily before 

 the flocks start for the southward journey. As 

 December approaches, compact bodies of birds begin 

 to make their appearance in Northern Britain, 

 passing over the land or down the coast-lines, in 

 search of some spot upon which to rest and feed 

 after their long flight. The wild swans that visit 

 us often consist of immature brown birds, piloted 

 by an old one, purely white. Then there are some- 

 times large flocks without a single immature bird; 

 more frequently, however, the migratory herds 

 consist of both old and young. The immense size 

 to which the whooper attains, and its tameness on 

 its first arrival, render it an easy prey to the shore- 

 shooter or puntsman. Upon being approached the 

 birds show signs of alarm, but frequently do not rise 

 for some time. Adults weigh from nineteen to 

 twenty-four pounds; and thus they are prevented 

 from rising with the rapidity of most wild-fowl. 

 With all swans, but especially the "elk," it is easy to 

 run down upon them and get well within shot if 



