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Birds. 
" Black Swan " was used in ancient times as equivalent 
to a nonentity ; but a species nearly entirely black has 
been lately discovered in Australia. This bird is as 
large as the white Swan, and its bill is of a rich scarlet. 
The whole plumage (except the primaries and seconda- 
ries, which are white) is of the most intense black. 
Swans are very long lived, sometimes attaining the 
great age of a century and a half. 
THE WILD GOOSE. (Anser fetus.) 
" The farmer's Goose, who in the stubble 
Has fed without restraint or trouble, 
Grown fat with corn, and sitting still, 
Can scarce get o'er the barn-door sill ; 
And hardly waddles forth to cool 
Her body In the neighbouring pool ; 
Nor loudly cackles at the door, 
For cackling shows the Goose is poor. 
Swift. 
The Goose is very different in outward appearance from 
the last-named bird. Stupidity in her look, uncouth- 
ness in her walk, and heaviness in her flight are her 
principal characteristics. But why should we dwell 
upon these defects ? they are not such in the great scale 
of the creation. Her flesh feeds many, and is not dis- 
dained even by the great ; her feathers keep us warm ; 
