98 THE BIRDS OP MONGOLIA ETC. 



we repeatedly observed migrating flocks. In Tsaidam and at Koko-nor it 

 does not occur. 



It is very abundant during migration, especially about the beginning 

 of April, at Lake Hanka, where it usually assembles in flocks from twenty 

 to forty in number. When on the wing they often fly in a pattern, like 

 Storks and Ducks. It is the most common breeding species of the whole 

 genus on the marshes of Lake- Hanka basin, and rears usually from five to six 

 young, but rarely three or four. Early in June I found some young ones, 

 not exceeding a Duck in size, which, as usual, were accompanied by their 

 parents. It very often happens, also, that two or three families join together ; 

 and when approached by any one, the old birds make use of all sorts of 

 tricks in order to take off attention from their brood, which latter try to 

 escape by hiding in the reeds, or when on an open lake dive as well as any 

 young Ducks. This species, also, is very inquisitive ; and on perceiving a 

 dog or a sportsman, if there are not more than two birds, they usually come 

 within range. 



258. Cygnus musicus*, Bechst. Lehed clicun. 



Is only a migrating bird in S.E. Mongolia, at Koko-nor, but may 

 perhaps stop to breed in the reedy marshes of Tsaidam, where the first 

 migrants were observed to arrive on the 14th of February, although they 

 appeared only in the middle of March in S.E. MongoHa. The principal 

 migration through Koko-nor takes place also in March. 



* [In Mr. E. Delinar INIorgan's translation of Colonel Prjevalsky's Travels (a -sYork -which should 

 be read in coujunctioa with this article), vol. ii. p. 4, we find, in the northern part of Ala-shau, an 

 account of an immense lake-bed of sedimentary salt, called by the Mongols " Djaratai-dabas." The 

 salt is from two to six feet thick. He adds that " the sparkling sui-face of Djaratai-dabas appears 

 like water in the distance, and resembles ice when you are near it. So deceptive is its appearance 

 that a flock of Swans, apparently attracted by the sight of water in the desert, descended before our 

 very eyes almost to the surface of the false lake, but discovering theix' mistake rose again in the air 

 with affrighted cry, and continued their flight." — Editor of the O. M.] 



