Abstract

Swans and Statesmen at Geneva

Every visitor to Geneva, Switzerland, has at some time or other during his stay leaned over the railing of the quais or bridges and watched the swans floating on the blue waters of the lake. As the birds drifted along without apparent effort, he has admired the grace of their movements and the serene dignity of their bearing. Geneva swans have associated so much with international statesmen that they have taken on some of the most striking characteristics of those gentlemen. The swans look impressive as long as things are going smoothly, but when, unknown to the observer, they are abruptly confronted with some bird problem and the necessity of making a decision, they meet the emergency by assuming a perpendicular position with head in the mud.