ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL. 45 
lives in large flocks in the temperate and cold latitudes of 
the world. The Swan is migratory, and leaves the Polar Seas 
early in the autumn, when flocks numbering about twenty-five 
to thirty, make their way to more genial climates. It is, there- 
fore, necessary to pinion individuals retained in captivity in 
order to prevent their escape when the migratory instinct comes 
upon them. Our Common Swan was introduced into England, 
according to Yarrell, about the twelfth century, and therefore has 
a good right to be considered as a domestic waterfowl, while 
it also possesses the proud distinction of having been long con- 
sidered as a royal bird, only to be held by subjects as a privilege 
from the Crown. During the breeding season the Swan becomes 
very savage, and is then dangerous to approach. The nest is a 
huge mass of reeds, sticks, and other rubbish, and is usually 
placed close to the water, by preference at the edge of an island. 
These birds pair for life, and are a model of devotion one to 
the other. The male bird may be seen during incubation 
either swimming as a sentinel, or seated close beside his mate 
half hidden by the water reeds, among which the nest is usually 
built. The food of the Swan consists in great part of various 
kinds of aquatic vegetables. The birds are large feeders, and will 
devour snails, small fish, eels, as well as various sorts of insects. 
These birds are very long-lived, and have been known to 
survive over fifty years. They are always procurable at from 
L2 a pair. 
Male.—Plumage of a dazzling whiteness; feet and legs 
black ; bill reddish orange, with a black tubercle at the base. 
Female.—Similar to male, but smaller. 
Young.—Ashy-grey, becoming white when about two 
years old; bill dark slate-colour. 
Egg.—Greenish-white ; five to seven in number. March 
—April. Ineubation, about forty days. 
