ANATIDfE — THE SWANS — OLOR. 
427 
both this species and the 0 . buccinator visit Hudson’s Bay in the summer, and that 
there appeared to be no perceptible difference between them except in size. 0 . C'olum- 
bianus was then the more common one near the sea-coast, but was by no means abun- 
dant, being seen only in pairs, or occasionally singly, where the mate had been shot 
on the passage north. The weight of this bird he gives as varying from nineteen to 
twenty-four pounds. 
According to Richardson, this Swan arrives in the Arctic Regions later than the 
Geese, and breeds on the small lakes of the coast and islands of the Arctic Sea. Its 
nest is generally placed on a small island, and is constructed of any loose materials 
which happen to be in the immediate vicinity. These are heaped together until a 
large mound is formed. This bird is very shy, and can usually be killed only at 
a long shot with a ball. In its migrations some flocks are said to cross the interior, 
but the greater part follow the coast-line of Hudson’s Bay. Richardson states fur- 
ther that it is only seen in the interior of the Fur Countries on its passage. He 
mentions that Captain Lyon describes its nest as being built of moss-peat, and as 
having a length of nearly six feet, a width of four and three' quarters, and a height 
on the outside of two feet, the cavity being a foot and a half in diameter. The eggs 
are said by the same authority to be brownish white, or white slightly clouded with 
a brownish tint. 
Mr. George Barnston states that at present, except in a few particular localities, 
this Swan has become scarce on the shores of Hudson’s Bay. It is seen at the same 
time as the other migratory birds, winging its way to more secluded recesses in the 
north, nesting throughout the interior. In the scarcity of its favorite food, the roots 
of the Sagittaria sagittifolia, it has recourse to those of the Equisetacece and the ten- 
der underground runners of certain grasses peculiar to northern latitudes. A few 
of these birds are said by him to stop to breed in the interior, and not to reach the 
Arctic coast. Mr. Barnston had two eggs brought to him from a nest on the banks 
of a lake near Norway House; but these eggs were probably those of 0 . buccinator. 
A considerable number of this species hatch near Eastman’s Fort, in James Bay. As 
an article of food Mr. Barnston regards this bird as being decidedly inferior to Geese 
of every description — differing in this respect from most writers. 
From November to March this Swan is abundant in the waters of the Chesapeake 
and in all the inlets of North Carolina. In the latter it is now said to be more com- 
mon than formerly, having been partially driven from Chesapeake Bay by the severity 
of the warfare waged upon it. An occasional specimen, according to Major Wedder- 
burn, is seen in the Bermuda Islands. 
An experienced sportsman who contributed an account of this species to “ Doughty’s 
Cabinet ” states that, unless the weather at the north has been unusually severe, this 
species rarely appears in the Chesapeake until the middle of November. He adds 
that this Swan, when less than five years old, is by far the finest eating of any of 
the Waterfowl found on that bay. It possesses the flavor of the finest Goose, and is 
far more tender. The length of time that its flesh can be preserved untainted is also 
mentioned as remarkable, this same writer having seen one still perfectly sweet four 
weeks after its death, no other method of preservation than an exposure to the air 
having been employed. 
The age of this Swan may be known by the color of the feathers, the yearling 
being of a deep leaden tint, with a delicate red bill. In the second year it has a 
lighter color, and a white bill. In the third season the bill has become jet black, 
and about one third of the plumage is still tipped with gray ; and until it is fully 
five years old an occasional feather will present this tint of youth. This bird is sup- 
