2 
MUTE SWAN. 
only two were now left on tlie water. These men had generally been accustomed to shoot them before 
daybreak, or at least on the quiet when no one w^as about. On this occasion, however, about midday they 
surrounded one young bird, and driving it towards the land, killed the helpless juvenile before it could rise 
on wing. The remaining young one was afterwards attacked in the same manner, but having been frequently 
fired at and ascertained their intentions he refused to allow himself to be driven, invariably flying off on 
the first signs of danger, and eventually escaping entirely from its persecutors and taking its departure for 
other quarters. 
“ June 21st, 1881. Ileceived word of two Swans having been observed flying over Ilickling Broad, 
and on proceeding to the spot I found them resting quietly on the water of Swimcoats, and had no diffculty 
in shooting both by a right and left with the shoulder-gun as they rose on wing at the approach of the 
punt. This pair of birds were doubtless immature, a few dark feathers on the plumage of their backs 
being detected here and there. The beaks were a pale flesh-tint, with a small black knob at the base and a 
black patch extending to the eye. Iris dark hazel. Legs light grey with dark veins showing. Webs deep 
grey, nails dark horn-colour. There was no telling whether these were what are termed Polish Swans, or 
only escaped tame birds that had evaded the operation of having their wings pinioned.” 
Again, under date of May 14th, 1883. “Two Swans circling over the open water on the Broad, and as 
soon as they settled we sculled up and secured them at once. They wxre probably in their second year. 
Beaks dark horn tint edged with black. Legs grey slate and the ridge edged with a deeper shade, almost 
black.” The reason I always started in pursuit of the unpinioned Swans was because the keeper had requested 
me to kill them down, as there was then no excuse for the natives going and disturbing the water. I also 
imagined that strangers in various plumage might at times be obtained, but never clearly identified any 
worth recording. 
On Ilickling Broad, Ileigbam Sounds, and Horsey Mere I frequently shot birds that might pass for the 
form to which the name of Polish Swan has been given; but I am still of opinion that tliis supposed 
species is only one of the various stages through w'hich the Mute Swan passes. The best description of all 
the forms and colourings of the beaks of these birds that could be written would give but little idea of the 
reality when the specimens are seen in life, and at least a dozen coloured plates would be needed to convey 
an impression of the heads and beaks as well as the plumage of the specimens I procured during the time I 
spent in this locality. 
I often remarked on the Norfolk Broads that these birds are very pugnacious during the breeding- 
season, when each pair select their quarters and resent all intrusions of their neighbours on their haunts. 
A few years back I was at Potter Heigbam in the spring, and had hired the shooting over the greater part 
of Hickling Broad. On going afloat early one morning 1 discovered a most terrible battle was being carried 
on betw^een two fine old males ; one of the combatants, I ascertained, had his quarters on Bush Hills, and 
the nest of his antagonist was built on the slade on Swimcoats. The commencement of the fight was not 
witnessed, and when I arrived on the scene they were holding one another down on the water, and striking 
violently with their wings whenever an opportunity occurred. Towards the end of their bout, and when both 
appeared fit to cry “ Hold, enough being completely worn out, the water was covered with feathers for a 
long distance, and had been in the same state all the time they were flogging one another with their wings. 
I do not think they exhibited their animosity for any length of time, as the following day the combatants were 
swimming peacefully round their respective quarters, without the slightest signs of an attempt to pick a 
quarrel again when either moved into the open water between the hills they frequented. 
* The words “ Hold, enough ” occur in the inscription on the bolt held by the champion of the ring, and the lines are taken from the last 
scene of Macbeth by Shakspere . t 
“ Lay on, Macauti ; 
And damn’d be him that first cries, Hold, enough.” 
