574 



The Illvstrated Book of Poultry. 



is, however, very probable that more complete domestication would remedy this, not only making 

 the birds more amenable to reason, but increasing the number of eggs ; and considering the size 

 of the birds, the hardiness of the young, and their excellent quality, it is much to be wished that 

 some serious attempt should be made to rear them more extensively for market purposes. As a 

 rule all that can be done is to give the old birds a little grain, and see that their privacy is not 

 disturbed whilst sitting. When hatched, if very wild, the cygnets can be fed by throwing 

 coarse oatmeal or grits upon the water ; or soaked ground biscuit, such as Spratt's Poultry Food, 

 may be given in the same manner ; but if the old birds are tame and familiar, they will often bring 

 the brood to feed from a trough placed at the edge of the water, in which the food should be 

 placed, always in water, as for feeding grain to ducks. Mr. Fowler informs us that he has known 

 swans' eggs hatched under geese, and brought up tame like,ducks. This experiment is well worth 

 repeating. The rapid growth of the cygnets of the Black-necked Swan would make attention to 

 this variety with a view to breeding for market, specially desirable. 



