THE STORK. 



327 



from two to four eggs, their fecundity increasing in an inverse ratio 

 to their size. The duration of their life is from fifteen to twenty years. 



There are several species of Storks, the most important being 

 the White Stork (Ciconia alba, Fig. 128). It measures about forty 

 inches in height ; length to end of tail, forty-two inches ; wings, 

 extended, seventy-six inches ; its plumage is white ; the wings are 

 fringed with black. This is 

 the species best known in 

 Europe. Holland and Ger- 

 many are its favourite resi- 

 dences ; and Alsace is also 

 one of the provinces in which 

 they are most frequently seen. 

 It occurs so rarely in Eng- 

 land that there it has become 

 almost a matter of legend. It 

 is very common in the warm 

 and temperate parts of Asia. 

 In the month of August it 

 leaves P^urope to visit Africa, 

 from whence it returns in the 

 following spring. This migra- 

 tion is not caused by tempera- 

 ture, as the Stork can bear 

 severe cold. No, it is a mere 

 question of sustenance ; for, 

 feeding as it does principally 

 upon reptiles which remain in 

 a complete state of torpor 

 during Northern winters, it is 

 naturally compelled to seek 

 its food elsewhere. 



The Stork is of a mild nature, and is easily tamed. As it destroys 

 a host of noxious creatures, it has become a useful helper to man, 

 who, not ungrateful, gives it succour and protection. In ancient Egypt 

 it was venerated on the same score as the Ibis ; in Thessaly there 

 was a law which condemned to death any one killing these birds. 

 Even at the present day the Germans and Dutch esteem it a fortunate 

 omen when a Stork selects their house for its home, and they even 

 furnish it with inducements to do so by placing on their roofs a box 

 or wheel, which forms a foundation for the bird to build a nest, which 

 it. constructs qf reeds, grass, and feathers. 



Fig. 128. -White Stork. 



