WATER BIRDS. 



Wild, or Whistling Swan. 



Black Swan 



The Whistling Swan, or Hooper, resides during summer within the arctic circle, but in winter visits the 

 northern parts of Europe, including England. It migrates in" flocks of various numbers, arranged in the 

 form of a wedge. The down of this bird is very valuable, and is sought after by the Icelanders, who choose 

 the time when the birds have shed their quill feathers and are unable to fly, to chase them with dogs. The 

 Whistling Swan wants the grace that characterizes the tame Swan ; its neck is carried upright, without the 

 elegant arch of its domesticated relative. It is not quite as large as the Tame Swan ; the expanse of its wings 

 is about eight feet. 



" Like a Black Swan," was formerly a well known proverb, analogous to the " Horse Marines" of the present 

 day : unfortunately for the proverb, a Swan has been discovered in Australia, the whole of whose plumage 

 is a jetty black, with the exception of the quill feathers, which are white. It has been domesticated in 

 England, and may be seen in St James' Park, eagerly seeking after the crumbs afforded by juvenile hands. 

 ft. is rather smaller than the Whistling Swan. 



ttreat Auk. 



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