THE SWAN. 
So much difference is there between this bird 
when on land and in the water, that it is hardly 
to be supposed the same, — for in the latter, no 
bird can possibly exceed it for beauty and ma- 
jestic appearance. When it ascends from its 
favourite element, its motions are awkward, 
and its neck is stretched forward with an air 
of stupidity ; it has, indeed, the appearance of 
being only a larger sort of goose ; but when 
seen smoothly gliding along the water, display- 
ing a thousand graceful attitudes, and moving 
at pleasure without the smallest apparent effort, 
there is not a more beautiful figure in all na- 
ture. In its form, we find no broken or harsh 
lines ; in its motions, nothing constrained or 
abrupt; but the roundest contours, and the 
easiest transitions; the eye wanders over the 
whole with unalloyed pleasure, and with each 
change of position every part assumes a new 
