A VISITATION OF SWANS 



ward from behind a dense clump of tall tules. I 

 took them in with all eagerness, not knowing 

 how soon they might become alarmed and make 

 off, and soon had them in an excellent light and 

 at a comfortably short range. Seven wild swans ! 

 And close by! What a vision! If the heavens 

 had opened, I could hardly have been more sur- 

 prised. 



Then a horseman rode past, while I held my 

 breath and wished him elsewhere ; but instead of 

 taking flight the magnificent birds simply wheeled 

 about and swam to the middle of the lake, where 

 they came to rest, and at once tucked their heads 

 under their wings. I rejoiced to see them so per- 

 fectly at home. Who could tell but they might 

 be proposing to pass the season with us ? 



After feasting my eyes upon them sufficiently 

 for the nonce, I proceeded with my walk, and 

 three hours later, on my return, came again in 

 sight of the lake. At that moment the swans 

 were headed straight toward me with the appar- 

 ent intention of coming ashore. Catching sight 

 of a man, however, they wheeled about, and after 

 a little hesitation made for the opposite bank. 

 There they busied themselves with dressing their 

 feathers till something startled into flight a multi- 

 tude of ducks and coots. At this the swans lifted 

 their heads, and after looking suspiciously around 

 8i 



