427 



it is a silent bird). When angry it utters a loud hiss of defiance ; and when calling its young 

 it makes a noise not unlike the bark of a small dog ; and Naumann affirms that when in a 

 wild state Cygnus olor occasionally utters a loud trumpet-like note resembling that of the 

 Crane. This call is uttered in the spring, especially when the nest or the young are in danger, 

 or when the male and female call and answer each other from a distance. So far as I can 

 ascertain, this loud call is never uttered by the domesticated bird ; and it is possible that its 

 having so seldom been heard may have given rise to the fable so current amongst the ancients, 

 to the effect that the Swan is gifted with the power of song when dying, and at no other period 

 of its existence. 



In my collection are eggs of the Mute Swan from the Soberg Mose, in Denmark, and 

 Easova, on the Danube, all of wild birds, which are greenish grey in colour, rather glossy in 

 appearance, though somewhat rough in surface of shell ; and in size they vary from i\^ by 3-/^ 

 to 4J| by 3 inches. 



The specimen figured with the small Cygnets is an adult bird, the drawing having been 

 made from a live bird in St. James's Park. 



In the Plate of the heads of the various species of Swans, the heads of the adult and young 

 birds of Cygnus olor are given for comparison with those of the Polish Swan. 



In the preparation of the above article I have examined the following specimens, besides a 

 considerable number of live birds. 



E Mus. II. E. Dresser, 

 a, 6 ad., b, ? ad. Norfolk. c,juv. Salmi, Malta, December 22nd, 1865 (C. A. Wright). 



E Mus. H. Stevenson. 



a, b, ad. Norwich. 



E Mus. Brit. Reg. 

 a. England, b, c. Hayling Island, d. Severn. 



