THE SWAN. 



So much difference is there between this bird 

 when on land and in the water, that it is hardly 

 to be supposed the same, for in the latter, no 

 bird can possibly exceed it for beauty and ma- 

 jestic appearance. When it ascends from its 

 favourite element, its motions are awkward, 

 and its neck is stretched forward with an air 

 of stupidity ; it has, indeed, the appearance of 

 being only a larger sort of goose ; but when 

 seen smoothly gliding along the water, display- 

 ing a thousand graceful attitudes, and moving 

 at pleasure without the smallest apparent effort, 

 there is not a more beautiful figure in all na- 

 ture. In its form, we find no broken or harsh 

 lines; in its motions, nothing constrained or 

 abrupt; but the roundest contours, and the 

 easiest transitions ; the eye wanders over the 

 whole with unalloyed pleasure, and with each 

 change of position every part assumes a new 



