The swan against the wind

A man living on the Thames at Kingston told Hone that when a swan flew any distance against the wind, however fine the weather looked, a wind of almost hurricane strength was certain within twenty-four hours, and usually within twelve. Swans rarely flew with the wind, and when they did it seemed only for amusement or to reach a spot faster than by floating down on the tide, and no change followed. The gale that came after was usually dry, though sometimes it brought a heavy shower.