Swans live chiefly on plant food, but they are also fond of fish spawn and will destroy this in great quantities, thus helping to keep down the crop of fish. In the tame state they are fed by throwing food upon the water, though they may be taught to come ashore and seek their food in a fixed place.
In Belgium there is a flock which has been taught to come to the casino of the military officers for its meals. The casino stands close to the canal and steps go down to the water. Every afternoon at feeding time the swans may be seen coming up the steps from the canal and crossing the street to the kitchen of the casino, where they make a signal by knocking on the floor with their beaks. The cooks then throw them food. After this is eaten they make their way, at the command of the head-cook, in a straight line back to the canal, heedless of men, dogs, or wagons which may be in their way.
The Graceful White Swan Swimming
In former times swans were used for food, and it was common at every great feast in England to serve up roast swan, there being special rules how it was to be cooked and the proper gravy made. Swan's quills were also used for pens. In our days it is seldom eaten and quill pens rarely used, and the only value to be had from the swan comes from its downy feathers and its large and beautiful wings, which often bring good prices.
THE PROUD AND GAUDY PEACOCK
Among all the birds of the poultry yard first in display stands the peacock, one of the most splendid in show of all birds. This fine fellow, with his glowing colors and royal tail, has some claim to be proud of his looks. Any of you who have seen him will agree with me in this. For those who have not seen him I must try and tell what he is like.
Rising from the head of the peacock is a crest of feathers of the most brilliant green and gold, while all its plumage is richly colored. But its finest feature is its splendid train, a great circle of feathers which rise above the tail and which it can lift into a glowing circle of wonderful beauty.
Of these feathers the middle ones are sometimes more than four feet long. They grow shorter on each side till they form a complete fan. All of these are spangled with eye-like richly-colored spots, so that a peacock with its tail spread is one of the most brilliant objects in nature.