GRUIIXE THE CRANES. 101 



potatoes, being greatly relished. In fact, it is practically om- 

 nivorous; and when domesticated will devour almost anything 

 eatable that is presented to it. Like the heron, however, it is 

 extremely wary, and cautious indeed must be the hunter who 

 approaches within gunshot. 



The nest of the Sandhill Crane is placed on the ground among 

 vegetation, which conceals it, sometimes in a marsh, but often 

 on dry spots. The eggs are usually two in number, their average 

 size being about 3.98 by 2.44 inches, and their color some shade 

 of pale olive-brown, or drab, spotted with darker brown, red- 

 dish brown, and purplish gray. The young are at first covered 

 with a soft dense down, bright rusty on the upper parts and 

 pale grayish on the lower, and are said to be unable to fly until 

 they become nearly as large at their parents, whom they follow 

 about until able to take wing, before which time they elude pur- 

 suit by swiftly running and then hiding among the grass and 

 weeds. Taken when quite small, they are very easily domesti- 

 cated and become most amusing pets; but are somewhat dan- 

 gerous on account of their propensity to use their sharp bills, 

 thus endangering the eyesight of persons who allow them to 

 become too familiar. 



A, 



