text: " The melody ascribed to the dying swan has long been well known to exist only in the graceful mythology of the ancients; but as few opportunities occur of witnessing the bird's last moments some interest attaches to Mr Waterton's personal observations on this point which we can ourselves corroborate having not long since been present at the death of a pet swan which like Mr Waterton's favourite had been fed principally by hand; and instead of seeking to conceal itself at the approach of death quitted the water and lay down to die on the lawn before its owner's door