Cranks. 125 



deposited with the same regularitj^ viz., one clear day between 

 the first and second eggs. The nest is merely an apology, 

 a few bents of grass or any rubbish handy is pulled together ; 

 sometimes this is not done until the first egg is laid. The 

 Sil^erians take the most pains, and are not satisfied unless a 

 considerable heap is got together, especially if they can get 

 flags of any kind, which they pull up by the roots. Owing 

 to their aquatic habits, the nest is built as near the water as 

 possible, hence the idea of a large nest to keep well above the 

 water-line. 



Both species of Crowned Cranes have made nests this 

 year, and we have daily expected to see an egg from the Cape 

 Crowned {Gins ch?ysopelarg7cs). These elegant creatures are a 

 joy for ever, when seen, as they are here, in the very best of 

 health and plumage ; tiiey are perfectly tame, and are pleased 

 to welcome one and make friends at all times. The graceful 

 way in which they dance about to amuse one is most entertain- 

 ing; no matter how many people witness the performance, they 

 appear to enjoy laughter; in fact, the more you laugh, the more 

 they dance, bow, and skip about with half-open wings, showing 

 all their wonderful variation of colours. They may be very 

 highly recommended for any lawn or garden, being perfectly 

 harmless, and they do not dig up the turf like most of the 

 Cranes. The long life and hardiness of this family in confine- 

 ment should appeal to all lovers of birds who can afi^ord to keep 

 them. 



My humble remarks will, I hope, be of help to attain 

 success, and are meant as such, not that I want to imply that 

 my way is the best, I merely state the conditions that answer 

 admirably here. 



The call of the different species of Crane differs consider- 

 ably, no two are alike ; to describe them correctly requires the 

 skill of an artist, and it would be a complete failure on my part, 

 not knowii'.g a note of music, to attempt it. The male and female 

 are so much alike that, unless you know what sign to look for. 

 It is a difficult matter to tell them. When the birds are calling or 

 showing fight the pair usually stands together and the female 

 holds her head quite upright, not a movement of her body takes 



