264 The Water-fowl Family 



In Currituck, Albemarle, and Pamlico sounds, 

 the eastern habitat, the swan is not killed in large 

 numbers. When an occasional bird is shot, per- 

 haps he is an unfortunate tail-ender, who came 

 over the blind a little too close. Sometimes in 

 heavy weather the usual course and habit of flight 

 is changed, and the flocks fly overland within 

 range. Rarely a single bird comes to geese de- 

 coys. Some of the clubs along the coast have 

 one or two wild swan, that are tied out with other 

 stool and serve to attract their mates. 



Along the Pacific Coast, in the vicinity of the 

 Columbia River, the bird is killed in considerable 

 numbers when driven low down and overland by 

 storm and wind. In winter weather a boat cov- 

 ered with ice, if skilfully managed, can often be 

 paddled within close range. The difficulty with 

 which a swan rises from the water enables it 

 rarely to be sailed on. Heavy loads behind 

 heavy shot are necessary to kill, and if possible 

 the head or neck should be aimed at. When 

 wounded the swan often escapes, for it is a pow- 

 erful swimmer, and, if opportunity affords, can 

 dive and skulk. If approached without caution, 

 it can deal a heavy blow with the wings. This 

 bird bears domestication well, and lives to an old 

 age. 



