THE SWAN. . 235

ing the admiration of the spectator!’ The tame swan is
found in its wild state in the eastern countries of Europe
and Asia*.”

The Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) is principally of a deep
black colour, as its name imports; the beak is red; it in-
habits various parts of Australia; and the Swan River de-
rives its name from the abundance of these birds. Their
habits are but little known; their note is rather melodious,
though of short continuance. This species has been lately
introduced into England, and i is no longer the “rara avis”
it was formerly considered.

There are some smaller species in the tropical countries
of Africa and America, bearing a great resemblance to
geese, and they are by some authors considered and de-
scribed as such.

The swan is mentioned in Leviticus xi. as the translation
of the word “ tinshemeth ;’ some commentators think the
Gallinula Porphyrio, or purple water-hen, is intended. This
beautiful bird abounds in the rice-fields of Lower Egypt,
appearing in May and the following months, and sometimes
breeding in the deserts; it is also found in the islands of
the Levant. It is nearly eighteen inches long, and about

* Maunder’s Treasury.