A FRIENDLY SWAN.
Most of us have heard of the swans of Wells that have learnt to ring a bell when they want their food. A solitary swan in Hertfordshire has acquired the same intelligent trick. Two swans supposed to be a pair were procured by the owner of a spacious pond, but proved to be two males, each of a belli- cose disposition. Finally, tired of the strife, one walked off and took up his quarters in a neighbour's pond. The migrant did more than regain peace ; he recovered character. His amicability is unbroken ; indeed, he exhibits a genius for friendship. Either when hungry or when bored by loneliness, he used to come to the window and tap with his beak till admitted. Later a bell was rigged up outside, and now he takes the cord in his beak and gives it a pull when either need is upon him ; and he may be as greedy for companion- ship as for food. How pleasant it would be for some solitary old village people one knows if they could just ring a bell outside when they needed a companion or a loaf !
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