212 DUCKS, GEESE, AND SWANS 



every note a Swan is accustomed to utter, but never before nor since have 

 I heard any like those sung by this stricken bird. Most plaintive in char- 

 acter, and musical in tone, it sounded at times like the soft running of the 

 notes in an octave. 



The Whistling Swan^ is accorded rank as a species 

 chiefly on the strength of a small yellow patch on the base of 

 the bill — which is not always present! Young Swans of both 

 species are of a dirty-gray color — not white; but the plumage 

 of the adult bird is perfectly white. The bill and feet are jet 

 black. 



1 O'lor co-lum-bi-an'us. 



