452 GKALLATORES. 



nest^ composed of sticks and twigs^ is placed on 

 buildings, or on tlie decayed stump of a tree. .The 

 female lays from three to five eggs. 



The t^qiical species, — 



The White Stork {Ciconia alha), is a well-known 

 European bird, but is seldom seen in Britain. It is 

 migratory, passing the summer in temperate or cold lati- 

 tudes, but retiring during the winter to the banks of the 

 Nile and the African swamps. It is a large and hand- 

 some species, measuring about three feet and a Lalf in 

 lengtli, and is of a white colour, with the extremities of 

 its wings black. The Stork frequents marshes and the 

 banks of rivers, devouring indiscriminately any aquatic 

 animals that may come in its way, and not even s})aring 

 the young of water-fowl ; it also feeds freely on oiSiii or 

 carrion, and for this reason in many places its visits are 

 regarded with great favour ; and it may be seen, even in 

 the crowded streets of large towns, stalking about with 

 perfect confidence. On the continent of Europe, indeed, 

 tlie Stork is a welcome visitor everywhere ; and the pea- 

 sants, so far from wilfully injuring it, protect it to the 

 utmost of their power. This kindly feeling is carried to 

 such a length, as not only to subject a j^erson ill-using it 

 to unpleasant remarks but to actual danger ; in some 

 parts, indeed, it is looked upon as a sort of sin to molest 

 it. In consequence of being thus favoured, the Stoi-k 

 becomes exceedingly tame, and will hardly get out of the 

 way of the passer-by. It frequently makes its nest in 

 the wilds of the forest, or, in the manner of the magpie, 

 in detached trees immediately above human habitations ; 

 but it builds just as often on the roof, or it may be on 

 the chimney of the cottage itself, where, to facilitate its 

 operations, the peasants not unfrequently affix a broken 

 cart-wheel. The nest is composed of sticks and similar 

 materials ; and as it is often made use of for several 

 generations, it becomes at length, from annual repairs and 

 additions, of a most goodly size ; occasionally, it is said 

 to be from four to six feet in height. Numbers of spar- 

 rows usually breed in the sides of these gigantic struc- 

 tures. The Stork, according to 2)opular belief, is not 

 unmindful of the kindness shown to it ; and the eggs, or 

 young ones, as the case may be, that are frequently found 



