234 POPULAR SCRIPTURE ZOOLOGY.

fable of its death-song, is harsh and unmusical; but there
is a mournful tone and a depth of sound im it, which cer-
tainly gives it somewhat the expression of a dying lament.

The Mute or Tame Swan (Cygnus olor) differs from the
last. species in size and form, being shorter and thicker
in proportion, but longer in the wings, as they measure up-
wards of seven. feet; the bill is also red instead of black ;
and the plumage is more delicately white.

“This species cannot be strictly called domesticated ;
they are only, as it were, partly reclaimed from a state of
nature, and invited by the friendly and protecting hand of
man to decorate and embellish the artificial lakes and pools,
which ornament his pleasure-grounds. On these, the swan
cannot be accounted a captive; for he enjoys all the sweets
of liberty. Placed there, as he is.the largest of all. British
birds, so is he to the eye the most pleasing and elegant.
‘What in nature,’ exclaims Bewiek, ‘can be more beautiful
than the grassy-margined lake, hung round with the varied
foliage of the grove, when contrasted with the pure resplen-
dent whiteness of the majestic swan, wafted along with
erected plumes by the gentle breeze,-or floating, reflected
on the glassy surface of the water, while he throws himself
into numberfess graceful attitudes, as if desirous of attract-