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and is distributed in greater or less numbers over the Afri- 

 can continent. It visits the southern shores of Europe, and, 

 in a semi-domesticated state, is kept both in this country 

 and on the European continent in the vicinity of artificial 

 waters. The nest, formed of reeds, leaves, and the stems 

 of water-plants, lined with feathers, etc., is placed near the 

 water; and the eggs, which are white, are from six to eight 

 in number. 



THE GAMBO GOOSE. Plectropterus Gambensis. This is 

 also called the Spur- winged Goose, from the tubercles or 

 spurs with which the wings are armed at the carpal joints. 

 It is only known to have occurred in one instance in this 

 country, when in 1821 it was killed near a small fishing- 

 place in Cornwall, where it had associated with the common 

 geese. The species is a native of northern and western 

 Africa, but its habits are unknown. 



THE MUTE OB TAME SWAN. Cygnus olor. There are 

 -four species of Swans which are accounted British, and in 

 all the plumage nearly corresponds ; by careful observation 

 of the bill and head of each, however, the difference which 

 exists between them will immediately appear. The present 

 species is only known in this country in its semi-domesti- 

 cated state, as an ornament to our rivers or artificial waters. 



