TRUMPETER SWAN. 539 
flocks would rise on their feet, trim their plumage, and as they started 
with wings extended, as if, racing in rivalry, the pattering of their feet 
would come on the ear like the noise of great muffled drums, accom- 
panied by the loud and clear sounds of their voice. On running fifty 
yards or so to windward, they would all be on wing. If the weather 
was thick, drizzly, and cold, or if there were indications of a fall of 
snow, they would remain on the ice, walking, standing, or lying 
down, until symptoms of better weather became apparent, when they 
would all start off. One morning of this latter kid, our men formed 
a plot against the Swans, and having separated into two parties, one 
above, the other below them on the ice, they walked slowly, on a sig- 
nal being given from the camp, toward the unsuspecting birds. Until 
the boatmen had arrived within a hundred and fifty yards of them, the 
Swans remained as they were, having become, as it would appear, ac- 
quainted with us, in consequence of our frequently crossing the ice; but 
then they all rose on their feet, stretched their necks, shook their heads, 
and manifested strong symptoms of apprehension. The gunners mean- 
while advanced, and one of the guns going off by accident, the Swans 
were thrown into confusion, and scampering off in various directions 
took to wing, some flying up, some down the stream, others making 
directly toward the shores. The muskets now blazed, and about a 
dozen were felled, some crippled, others quite dead. That evening 
they alighted about a mile above the camp, and we never went after 
them again. I have been at the killing of several of these Swans, and 
I can assure you that unless you have a good gun well loaded with large 
buck-shot, you may shoot at them without much effect, for they are 
strong and tough birds. 
To form a perfect conception of the beauty and elegance of these 
Swans, you must observe them when they are not aware of your proxi- 
mity, and as they glide over the waters of some secluded inland pond. 
On such occasions, the neck, which at other times is held stiffly upright, 
moves in graceful curves, now bent forward, now inclined backwards 
over the body. Now with an extended scooping movement the head 
becomes immersed for a moment, and with a sudden effort a flood of 
water is thrown over the back and wings, when it is seen rolling off in 
sparkling globules, like so many large pearls. The bird then shakes 
its wings, beats the water, and as if giddy with delight shoots away, 
