And yet 'tis he whose painted plumes Shine fairest in the sun, Who haughtiest look of pride assumes, As though by him 'twere done. We smile to see yon bird strut by, Thus proud of his array; But human friends we may espy As foolish every day. Not beauty's form nor grand attire Upon the wise will tell, But _acts_ of those who e'er aspire To do their DUTY well. [Illustration] [Illustration: FEEDING THE PET.] SWANS. This beautiful and majestic bird was considered the bird-royal in England, owing to a law of England that when found in a partially wild state on the sea and navigable rivers it belonged to the crown; but of course it is to be found on the ponds and lakes of many a gentleman's estate, and is always prized as a great ornament to the lake. The swan is also very valuable in clearing the ponds of weeds, and makes a most effective clearance, as they eat them before they rise to the surface. The swan affords a pleasing illustration of the love of the mother-bird for its young, and has been known to vanquish a fox who made an attack on its nest--showing that the instinct of motherhood kindles boldness and bravery in the breast of the most timid animals. The nest is generally made on an islet, and composed of reeds and rushes, and when the five or seven large eggs are hatched, the mother may be seen swimming about with the young ones on her back. [Illustration] THE SEA LION. Although such large and powerful creatures, these sea lions are innocent and playful. See, one of them has reared himself up on his hind legs, if legs they may be called, and is sitting on a chair with his flappers over the back of the chair. It inhabits the eastern shores of Kamtchatka, and is in some places extremely abundant, and measuring about fifteen feet in length. It is much addicted to roaring, which, as much as the mane of the old males, has obtained for it the name of the Sea Lion. The old males have a fierce appearance, yet they fly in great haste on the approach of man, but if driven to extremities they will fight desperately; but in captivity they are capable of being tamed, and become very familiar with man. The scientific name of the sea lion is Otary. [Illustration] [Illustration: THE LION.] A--THE ASS. _A Forbear to vex the patient Ass, Its heaving sides to goad, And far and safe its useful back Will carry many a load._ B--THE BITTERN. _In reedy swamp and lonely marsh, Where all is shade and gloom, The Bittern stalks, and you may hear His voice in sullen boom._ C--THE CAMEL. _The Camel is a useful beast, Patient, and slow, and mild; To man a blessing and a boon In Afric's sandy wild._ BADGERS.