THE SWIMMERS. 



133 



account of his personal experience in this particular. " I knew a male," says that writer, " that 

 appeared larger than usual, and of which all the lower parts were of a rich cream-colour. It returned 

 three years in succession to a large pond a few miles from the mouth of the Green River, in 

 Kentucky, and whenever I visited the nest it seemed to look upon me with utter contempt. It 

 would stand in a stately attitude until I reached within a few yards of the nest, when suddenly 

 lowering its head and shaking it, as if it were dislocated from the neck, it would open its wings and 

 launch into the air, flying directly at me. So daring was this fine fellow that in two instances he 

 struck me a blow with one of his wings on the right arm, which for an instant I thought was broken. 

 I observed that immediately after such an effort to defend his nest and mate, he would run swiftly 

 towards them, pass his head and neck several times over and around the female, and again assume 



THE GREY OR WILD GOOSE {Anser cinereus). ONE-SIXTH NATURAL SIZE. 



his attitude of defiance. Should danger be imminent, the brave Gander urges his mate to fly off, and 

 resolutely remains near the riest until he is assured of her safety, when he betakes himself to flight, 

 mocking, as it were, by his notes his disappointed enemy. Suppose all to be peace and quiet around 

 the fond pair, and the female to be sitting in security upon her eggs. The nest is placed near the 

 bank of a noble stream or lake, the clear sky is spread over the scene, the bright beams glitter on the 

 waters, and a thousand odorous flowers give beauty to the swamp which was of late so dismal. The 

 Gander passes to and fro over the liquid element, moving as if lord of the waters ; now he inclines 

 his head with a graceful curve, now sips to quench his thirst, and as noontide has arrived he paddles 

 his way towards the shore to relieve for awhile his patient consort. Carefully tended and taught, the 

 young grow apace, and by the beginning of September are able to fly from one shore to another ; 

 then, as the increasing frosts give warning of approaching winter, the separate families unite, and on 

 perceiving the coming of a snow-storm, at the general warning cry of the Ganders, the united flock 

 rises high into the air, and the young are instructed how to move. 



