[Illustration: BLACK NECKED SWANS.]
Just as the Goose has long been the symbol of awkwardness and stupidity,
so the Swan has been an object of admiration in all ages for its noble
proportions, the graceful curve of its neck and its small and shapely
head. On the water it is the picture of elegant ease. It swims
apparently without effort and with great rapidity. Different species are
found in America, Europe and Asia, and in Australia a black Swan is very
abundant.
In the wild state it lives on lakes, rivers and sea-coasts of both
hemispheres, feeding on such seeds, leaves, roots, water-insects, Frogs
and Worms as come in its way. In its domestic state, it is the charm and
ornament of our lakes and rivers; but, except in a few instances, it is
only kept for show, as it is jealous and cruel in disposition and not
friendly with domestic fowls.
Both the Mute and the Whistling Swan were celebrated among the ancients;
and the Black Swan of Australia is quite distinct from the white and the
Grey Swans of other countries; and one curious species is pure white
with a black neck, like those of our illustration who are enjoying
themselves in the water, all unconscious of the danger lurking on the
tree-branch above them, although the chattering Parrots seem to be
endeavoring to give them warning.
The Swan, like the Goose, lays from six to eight eggs, of a greenish
white color. It takes them about six weeks to hatch. The baby Swans or
Cygnets are first covered with a grey down, soft and fine like the
yellow down of Goslings. The regular feathers do not appear until the
third year.