PALMIPEDES. 



377 



arching their long neck in the most graceful and beau- 

 tiful curves. They frequently expand their sail-like 



SWAN (Cygnus Olor}. 



wings to catch the wind as they float along. They 

 fly at a great elevation, protracting their course to 

 great distances in their annual migrations. 



The common Red-billed Swan (C. Olor), so gene- 

 rally and so deservedly a favourite on our lakes and 

 rivers, is the most elegant in its form and motions. 

 Its plumage is of the purest white ; its attitudes are 

 the most majestic and graceful imaginable ; and its 

 manners are inoffensive, sociable, and gentle. Its 

 great muscular strength, however, renders it a for- 



