AMERICAN SWAN AND TRUMPETER SWAN. 



319 



predilection in its favor. One thing is certain, however — it is 

 superior to the Wild Goose, but inferior to the Canvass-Back. 



Swans are frequently, and we may sa}^ easily, domesticated, 

 but they will not thrive save where they can pass most of their 

 time on the water. In such favorable situations for their mode 

 of life, they will breed and live for years contented and happ3^ 

 Swans 7^0?' excellence are the most beautiful, most elegant, most 

 graceful, and most spotless of all Fowl. Their plumage is per- 

 fectly white. 



The Cj'gnus Americana is the species most commonly met 

 with. The other varieties are but seldom shot in these parts. 

 Swans, as the rest of the Wild Fowl, retire to the fiir North in 

 the early Spring. 



We once, as before mentioned, had a fair shot at sixteen of 

 those noble Birds without ruffling a single feather, and since 

 that time have not had the good fortune even to see one, let 

 alone shoot one. All our good fortune and high anticipations 

 of shooting-glory parted with us on that unfortunate occasion. 



