. DOMESTIC SWAN. breeding place. They require feeding during winter, at least; but, it is better to feed them constantly. A fat young cygnet affords a delicious dish. Swans, as well as all kinds of wild or semi-wild water fowl, must be pin- ioned, or they will be apt to depart without leave at the improving period of the year. To effect this operation, find the joint of the bastard wing, which will include about five flight feathers, introduce a sharp knife between the joints, cut steadily and boldly : no injur)^ will ensue. The Swan begins to lay at three years old. The nest of the Swan in a
. DOMESTIC SWAN. breeding place. They require feeding during winter, at least; but, it is better to feed them constantly. A fat young cygnet affords a delicious dish. Swans, as well as all kinds of wild or semi-wild water fowl, must be pin- ioned, or they will be apt to depart without leave at the improving period of the year. To effect this operation, find the joint of the bastard wing, which will include about five flight feathers, introduce a sharp knife between the joints, cut steadily and boldly : no injur)^ will ensue. The Swan begins to lay at three years old. The nest of the Swan in a domestic state is large and wide; the eggs are of a white color, and vary from six to eight in number. The cygnets are grey, and do not acquire their full plumage till the second year, and till then they usually keep in company with each other, which they also do with the old birds, until the time of pairing again comes on. The cygnets, while they are in their grey plumage, have very little of the majestic appear- ance of the adult swans. As articles of food, they are, however, the only ones that are held in much estimation, and there is probably more of the want of rarity than that of nature in them. Taken from the water in their natural condition, they are comparatively of little value : but, when they are artificially fattened, they fetch a high price in the market. When tame, swans are kept with a view to profit as well as ornament; their down and the quills of their wings are pulled twice in the year. This is a very cruel
Size: 2455px × 2037px
Photo credit: © The Bookworm Collection / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookauthorrichardsonhdfromoldca, bookcentury1800, bookdecade1850
