17 JANUARY 1936, Page 21

SWAN FOR DINNER

[To the Editor of THE SrEcrATon.] Sin,—In the interesting paragraph on this subject a slight error has occurred. The King's swans are unmarked, the Vintners' swans have two nicks, and the Dyers' swans one nick on mandible. Cygnets are served at our October dinner and are delectable, but to avoid the fishy taste they are fed on corn, &c., about three weeks before being killed. The writer of your article was referring to the old swan markings, but since 1878 this old method has been discontinued. In addition, the last pinion of one wing of all cygnets is cut off and pitched to stay bleeding. The annual " swan-upping" is still continued for the purpose of distinguishing the cygnets.— Yours truly, NELSON Cuwris (Past Prime Warden Worshipful Company of Dyers).

Sandridge, 48 Mulgrave Road, Sutton, Surrey.