APPELLATIVES MUSCOVY GOOSE. 127 



old, nor assume their perfect glossy whiteness until 

 advanced in their second year. 



I have been taken to task by certain instructors, 

 on the score of appellatives appropriate to the swan. 

 In their opinions it seems, that the terms COCK and 

 HEN, applied to the swan, are objectionable, more 

 especially cock, as homely and impolite. They prefer 

 male and female. Bien done, I have not the slightest 

 objection to accommodate my worthy critics male 

 and female let it be. Having proceeded this length, 

 in order to give satisfaction if possible, I have now to 

 state the little I know further of this matter, which is, 

 that, in the regular professional slang, they are styled 

 COB and PEN, as designating the sexes of the swan. 

 I now say to every adept, utrumve mavis. As to the 

 homely and equivocal term, cock, I regret to be com- 

 pelled to observe, that I really know not how we shall 

 be able to rid ourselves of it, more especially in proper 

 names. 



The CYGNOIDES from Guinea, commonly called the 

 SWAN-GOOSE, or the MUSCOVY-GOOSE, a sort of middle 

 species between the swan and the goose, is sufficiently 

 plentiful in Britain, and unites so well with the com- 

 mon goose, according to report, as to cause little or 

 no perceptible difference in the progeny. They are 

 distinguished by their erect gait, and the screaming 

 which they continue during almost the whole day, 

 without any obvious incitement. 



The BLACK SWANS of New Holland I have not 

 hitherto had the opportunity of seeing. They were 

 introduced into this country some years since, but I 

 o 4 



