24 GRUS CINEREA. 



Remarks. — Perhaps the nearest approach to the bill of 

 the Crane is to be seen in that of the Turnstone, which 

 might be described almost in the same terms, but, of course, 

 presents differences. It is also constructed similarly to that 

 of (Edicnemus, Charadrius, and other genera of the same 

 group, to which its affinity is further indicated by the narrow- 

 ness of the throat. However much the Cranes may seem to 

 resemble Herons, on account of their large size, and, in some 

 degree, their colours, they are in reality more allied to the 

 Ostriches or the Plovers. The account given by Mr. Audubon 

 of the American Crane confirms this opinion. It often, he- 

 says, digs in the dried mud for the large roots of the water- 

 lily ; in winter resorts to the fields, in which corn, pease, and 

 sweet potatoes are planted, feeding on the grains and roots ; 

 and in the wet fields seizes on water insects, toads, and 

 frogs, but never, he believes, on fishes. Water lizards, 

 young alligators and snakes, cray-fish, and small quadrupeds 

 are also eaten by it. In captivity, it becomes gentle, and 

 feeds freely on grain and other vegetable substances. 



