THE SWAN. 238

plumage is white, with a tinge of yellow on the head and
neck ; and the bill black. This bird is found in the northern
parts of both the eastern and western continents. In severe.
winters they migrate to the south, and are seen on the
shores of England and France, but do not reach the south
of Europe, excepting very rarely: as soon as spring is felt
they return northward to spend the summer, and rear their
broods; great numbers being then found in all the Polar
regions. During their migratory journeys they fly very
high, to avoid the powerful falcons of the north; and as
their weight and size is great for so lofty a flight, the swan
almost invariably goes with the wind, halting if it be ad-
verse; before a strong and favourable breeze, they advance
at the rate of not less than one hundred miles an hour.

The female builds a large but rude nest, near the water;
she lays from four to seven eggs, which are very thick and
strong, of a rusty-brown colour, marked with white. The
inhabitants of the northern regions eat the cygnets, and
make considerable use of the skins of the full-grown birds,
sewing them together, and thus forming strong and warm
garments: the down, feathers, and quills are also of great
value as articles of commerce.

The voice of the wild swan, in spite of the ‘well-known