urnum oxycoccos_; but
there is another species of the viburnum, which is also styled
"oxycoccos." The common "snowball bush" of our gardens is a plant of
the same genus, and very like the "Pembina" both in leaf and flower. In
fact, in a wild state they might be regarded as the same; but it is
well-known that the flowers of the snowball are sterile, and do not
produce the beautiful bright crimson berries of the "Pembina." Lucien
lectured upon these points to his companions as they floated along.
Norman listened with astonishment to his philosophic cousin, who,
although he had never been in this region before, knew more of its
plants and trees than he did himself. Basil also was interested in the
explanations given by his brother. On the contrary, Francois, who cared
but little for botanical studies, or studies of any sort, was occupied
differently. He sat near the middle of the canoe, double-barrel in
hand, eagerly watching for a shot. Many species of water-fowl were upon
the river, for it was now late in the spring, and the wild geese and
ducks had all arrived, and were passing northward upon their annual
migration. During the day Francois had got several shots, and had
"bagged" three wild geese, all of different kinds, for there are many
species of wild geese in America. He had also shot some ducks. But
this did not satisfy him. There was a bird upon the river that could
not be approached. No matter how the canoe was manoeuvred, this shy
creature always took flight before Francois could get within range. For
days he had been endeavouring to kill one. Even upon the Saint Peter's
many of them had been seen, sometimes in pairs, at other times in small
flocks of six or seven, but always shy and wary. The very difficulty of
getting a shot at them, along with the splendid character of the birds
themselves, had rendered Francois eager to obtain one. The bird itself
was no other than the great wild swan--the king of aquatic birds.

"Come, brother!" said Francois, addressing Lucien, "bother your
viburnums and your oxycocks! Tell us something about these swans. See!
there goes another of them! What a splendid fellow he is! I'd give
something to have him within range of buck-shot."

As Francois spoke he pointed down-stream to a great white bird that was
seen moving out from the bank. It was a swan, and one of the very
largest kind--a "trumpeter" (_Cygnus buccinator_).

It had been feeding in a sedge of the