Correspondence.



323



A male Sarus Crane became so dangerous, that he had to be


penned up. His mode of attack if any resistance was shewn, was to


jump in the air at people and then lunge out with his powerful bill.


When one day he finally pecked my wife on one of her eyelids, just


missing the eye, I went for him : but I was armed with a shovel with


which I had been cleaning out poultry houses.


* * * *


The great bird fenced with me, and to prevent his thrusts, I


waved the shovel up and down. At the moment of a downward


stroke, the crane rushed in, and I inadvertantly caught him a whack


on the top of his head, and he dropped like a dead bird. Indeed I


thought it was his end. It reminded me of the illustration in


Thackeray’s, “ The Rose and the Ring,” when King Padella was


floored with a warming-pan.


* * * *


I lifted the bird up, and supported his head which hung down


limply, and in a few minutes signs of returning vitality were seen.


Finally he opened his eyes, looked at me as much as to say—“ where


am I, and what are you doing?” and actually struggled to his feet


and w 7 ent for me again ! Never did I see anything so undefeated.

* * * *


Really a horrible bird; for if one throws him food, he will

walk round growling like a vicious dog. Last year one of his wings

w r as broken, it was said by a bullock in the field, but I have my

doubts, and could not blame anyone for using a big stick in

self-defence. A Hun amongst birds !


Hubert d. astley.



CORRESPONDENCE, NOTES, ETC


THE ILLUSTRATION FUND.


A member, whose identity is to remain unknown, has most generously

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