The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-08-27
THE PARKS FIGHTING SWAN.
Big Tim Fiercely Attacks Men and Boys
Who Como Near His Homo.


Who Como Near His Home.
The frequenters Of the leaiy little hooks and
shady erottoss along the shores OF the big lake
In Central Park have recently had cause TO
complain OF a big black swan. whose self-ap-
pointed sovereignty over the lake and Its
borders Ia causing much concern. The swan
was named Big Tim several years ago. when
he was regarded by the Park authorities as an
inofiensive creature who spent most OF his
time with his head tucked under his wing In
some secluded nook along the shore. But Tim
has changed his habits since then In manner
that shows his title to have been well bestowed.
He is now often a source OF terror to the chill
dren and even grown persons who walk along
the shore In his neighborhood. and Tom Dono-
hoo. tho keeper. has had his hands full In pre-
venting the swan from doing some real injury.
Tim Is OF unusual size for q swan. and, with
his head raised as it Is when he Ia on the war
path stands about four feet high. With one OF
his WINGS 1t is said. he could break a PERSONS
leg II he tapped with all its force. and for this
reason the alarm the Park authorities have
felt In regard to Tins present conduct 10 not
perhaps exaggerated. Tim is a native OF the
park and is the oldest en- Der OF the collection.
For this reason the authorities have been 70
luotant to interfere with him.
Tins favorite resting place is spot on the
eastern shore OF the lake. and there he and his
nate spend q great deal OF their time. This
spot Il some distance from the walk. but occas-
ionally persons invade Tins domain.
Tim aon't attack anything In petticoats. and
II Is only whom mon or boys approach that he
shows fight. Then he waits until tho intruder
has advanced to within a few feet OF him.
Whom the dan ger limit has been reached out will
come a vicious looking head on the end 1t .
long, black neck. and for few seconds Tim
40 bai Dy fhla Hoaa ~
a retreat. the old swan will get up slowly.
shake himself and then with his enor-
IT ouE pinions outstretohed and his head erect
he will charge, all the time uttering series OF
Gurg!inE cries.
This seldom fails to send the intruder away
hut even In the case OF stubborn antagonists
the old swan has oiton come out Victorious
providing he gets In a few well-directed blows
with his wings Not a few small boys have had
their legs bruised In this manner and have
been rescued by policemen when they were
getting worsted. Tim will generally retreat
before a big stick. but such weapon Is not
always handy.
| The immunity that women and little girls
| enjoy from Tins attacks has not been salts
| factorily accounted for oven by those who
| know him well. but so long as they do not
make any hostile sign. he will manifest his
/ resentment at their approach only by poking
| his head around in warning manner and oc-
| casionally making ono Of his gurginG cries
| A careful watch Ia being kept on Tim and the
police have full instructions to prevent any one
from really hurting him, even In self defence
Tins sovereignty over the lake and Its little
! colony OF fowl Is undisputed. When he pad
| dies around the lake the geese and ducks. with
| their broods OF little ones. get out OF his path.
Even the big white swans, enticed BY the
! children's offerings at the landing place on
the west shore OF the lake. sail apolog etically
away when Tim arrives.
! Tim frequently makes trips to little pond
| Just northwest Of tho big lake. where there Is
! another black swan. Sometimes he will spend
+ whole nay visiting this friend. To get to this
pond h" has TO travel considerable distance
! over land, but fortunately does not have to
/ cross any paths In these excursions, and he
/ does not encounter visitors in the park. The
| other Bwan has mover heen tempted to make
| the big lake her home. and Tim. toward
| night fall. always returns alone.
| Cnlike most OF the animals and birds Tim
has NOT naao friends with hts keeper, and
carries a stout stick with which he keeps Tim
away from thahnAt