WATER-FOWL 141 



freely with domestic ducks, the offspring being invariably 

 sterile. 



Swans 



Because of their large size and undoubted grace, swans 

 have long held a premier position in the estimation of keep- 

 ers of water-fowl. All of the species are hardy, so far as 

 temperature is concerned, and easily kept. Almost more 

 than any other anserine bird, water is essential for the well- 

 being of swans. Perfectly at ease in their natural element, 

 few birds are more awkward or unlovely than a swan 

 ashore. 



Swans do best in a large body of water, well supplied 

 with aquatic plants. When these are not available, the birds 

 may condescend to go ashore and graze a bit, but are evi- 

 dently not happy while doing so. Adult birds may be fed 

 on the same grain provided for ducks, and will relish bread 

 crusts and Game Food, if thrown on the water. Green food 

 in some form must be provided in winter. 



In many places where the severity of winter makes the 

 care of the birds difficult, it is customary to make temporary 

 enclosures of wire netting, by means of which the swans 

 may be confined to the most sheltered position. At this 

 season the males are less quarrelsome than during the spring, 

 and may be gathered together with safety. 



Seven species of true swans are recognized, of which 

 five are white in color. The most abundant in captivity is 

 tne Mute Swan {Olor olor). This is the common swan of 

 Europe, where it has been kept and bred in a semidomestic 

 condition for centuries. In England the feudal laws con- 

 cerning the ownership and rearing of these birds are still 

 observed to some extent. 



The Mute Swan is a large bird, readily distinguished by 

 the reddish beak and black tubercle at the base. The male 



