■iOi 



VERTEBEATES. 



and a little hooked at the lower end of it. The two sides below 

 its eyns are black and shining like ebony. Swans use their wings 

 like sails, which catch the wind, so that they are driven along in 

 the water." This is a peculiarity connected with this water-bird _ 

 and they who have seen its snow-white wings expanded, with the 

 light feathers fluttering in the breeze as it moves rapidly along 

 the glassy surface of the crystal lake, cannot easily forget the im- 

 pression produced by a sight so noble, imposing, and animating. 



Yhe Tame or Mute Swan. 



Calmet goes on to observe : " Swans feed upon herbs and some 

 sort of grain, like a goose ; and some are said to have lived throe 

 hundred years. The Swan is reckoned by Moses among the 

 unclean creatures ; but it was consecrated to Apollo, the god of 

 music, because it was said to sing melodiously when near expiring ; 

 a tradition generally received, but fabulous." 



The Mallard or Wild Dtjck is the origin of our do- 

 mestic bird, and is widely spread over the northern parts of Eu- 

 rope, Asia, and America,. In the winter it migrates in countless 

 flocks, many reaching this country. Incredible numbers of these 



