222 TRUMPETER SWAN. 



consequence of our frequently crossing the ice; but then they all rose on 

 their feet, stretched their necks, shook their heads, and manifested strong 

 symptoms of apprehension. The gunners meanwhile advanced, and one of 

 the guns going oif by accident, the Swans were thrown into confusion, and 

 scampering off in various directions took to wing, some flying up, some down 

 the stream, others making directly toward the shores. The muskets now 

 blazed, and about a dozen were felled, some crippled, others quite dead. 

 That evening they alighted about a mile above the camp, and we never went 

 after them again. I have been at the killing of several of these Swans, and 

 I can assure you that unless you have a good gun well loaded with large 

 buck-shot, you may shoot at them without much effect, for they are strong 

 and tough birds. 



To form a perfect conception of the beauty and elegance of these Swans, 

 3>-ou must observe them when they are not aware of your proximity, and as 

 they glide over the waters of some secluded inland pond. On such occa- 

 sions, the neck, which at other times is held stiffly upright, moves in graceful 

 curves, now bent forward, now inclined backwards over the body. Now 

 with an extended scooping movement the head becomes immersed for a 

 moment, and with a sudden effort a flood of water is thrown over the back 

 and wings, when it is seen rolling off in sparkling globules, like so many 

 large pearls. The bird then shakes its wings, beats the water, and as if giddy 

 with delight shoots away, gliding over and beneath the surface of the liquid 

 element with surprising agility and grace. Imagine, reader, that a flock of 

 fifty Swans are thus sporting before you, as they have more than once been 

 in my sight, and you will feel, as I have felt, more happy and void of care 

 than I can describe. 



When swimming unmolested the Swan shews the body buoyed up; but 

 when apprehensive of danger, it sinks considerably lower. If resting and 

 basking in the sunshine, it draws one foot expanded curiously towards the 

 back, and in that posture remains often for half an hour at a time. When 

 making off swiftly, the tarsal joint, or knee as it is called, is seen about an 

 inch above the water, which now in wavelets passes over the lower part of 

 the neck and along the sides of the body, as it undulates on the planks of a 

 vessel gliding with a gentle breeze. Unless during the courting season, or 

 while passing by its mate, I never saw a Swan with the wings raised and 

 expanded, as it is alleged they do, to profit by the breeze that may blow to 

 assist their progress; and yet I have pursued some in canoes to a considerable 

 distance, and that without overtaking them, or even obliging them to take 

 to wing. You, reader, as well as all the world, have seen Swans labouring 

 away on foot, and therefore I will not trouble you with a description of their 

 mode of walking, especially as it is not much to be admired. 



