22 DECEMBER 1928, Page 14

The young of the domestic fowl have a quite peculiar

fondness for the back of their mother ; and this may indicate the likelihood of a flying bird carrying its young. But it would be a precarious perch ; and I doubt whether any bird, even the broad-backed swan, would take the risk. Such actions are for the most part instinctive ; and if they are instinctive they are likely to be common. Quite certainly the carrying of the young in flight is not common with any other bird than the woodcock. However, as Professor Thompson most delightfully' says -soiriewhere and in effect : " Birds could be

much cleverer if they wanted to " ; and for one I should trot . _ like to deny the possibility of a swan carrying a youngster.

But one cygnet on each wing ! * * *