THE "SONG OF THE DYING SWAN" 



fine specimens that we acquired in 1900. Seven years ago 

 this species was regarded as so nearly extinct that a doubting 

 ornithological club of Boston refused to believe, on hearsay 

 evidence, in the existence of our specimens. A committee 

 was appointed to interview the birds and report its findings. 

 Even at that time Trumpeter Swan skins were worth from 

 $100 to $150 each; and when swan skins sell at either of those 

 figures it is because there are people who believe that the 

 species either is on the verge of extinction or has passed it. 

 Since that time Dr. L. C. Sanford, of New Haven, has se- 

 cured (1910) two other living birds, from the coast of Vir- 

 ginia. We have done our utmost to induce our pair to breed 

 and rear young, but thus far without success. 



The loss of the Trumpeter Swan from our bird fauna will 

 not be so keenly felt as the loss of the whooping crane. Its 

 twin species, the Whistling Swan, so closely resembles the 

 Trumpeter that only a close observer can detect the differ- 

 ence a yellow spot on the side of the former's upper man- 

 dible, near its base. The Whistler yet remains in fair numbers, 

 and possibly the new federal migratory bird law may save it 

 from quick extinction. 



Thus far only one naturalist (so far as we know) ever has 

 heard the "Song of the Dying Swan." Mr. D. G. Elliot, in 

 "Wild Fowl of North America," records the following inter- 

 esting observation: 



Once, when shooting in Currituck Sound, ... a number of Swan 

 passed over us at a considerable height. We fired at them, and one splen- 

 did bird was mortally hurt. On receiving his wound the wings became 

 fixed, and he commenced at once his song, which was continued until the 

 water was reached, nearly half a mile away. I am perfectly familiar with 



