Ostrich Apocalypse

Jimbuna · 03-08-16, 03:20 PM

Aye, the Mute Swan has a particular special status...

In the UK, there is one species everybody knows the Queen protects: the mute swan (Cygnus olor).

The Crown claimed ownership of all the mute swans in England and Wales in the 12th Century, primarily to stop commoners depriving the royals of a favourite banqueting dish.

Today the birds are no longer eaten - it is now a criminal offence to harm a swan in any way - and the Queen still exercises her ownership of swans on certain stretches of the River Thames and its tributaries.

Oberon · 03-08-16, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

favourite banqueting dish.

Indeed, and many servants across the country breathed a sigh of relief that they wouldn't have the pluck and gut the darn things, that's a messy business. Still, Turkey is just as good.

Jimbuna · 03-08-16, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oberon

Indeed, and many servants across the country breathed a sigh of relief that they wouldn't have the pluck and gut the darn things, that's a messy business. Still, Turkey is just as good.

03-08-16, 03:20 PM	#1
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,552 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	Aye, the Mute Swan has a particular special status... In the UK, there is one species everybody knows the Queen protects: the mute swan (Cygnus olor). The Crown claimed ownership of all the mute swans in England and Wales in the 12th Century, primarily to stop commoners depriving the royals of a favourite banqueting dish. Today the birds are no longer eaten - it is now a criminal offence to harm a swan in any way - and the Queen still exercises her ownership of swans on certain stretches of the River Thames and its tributaries. __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!