188 EGYPTIAN BIRDS 



they be mere specks in high heaven, as the sound 

 is peculiarly trumpet-like and sonorous. It carries 

 an enormous distance, and attention may perhaps 

 be drawn to their coming before the faintest sign 

 of them can otherwise be seen. 



Most would think, from a general glance at the 

 Crane, that it was a Heron of some sort, but 

 scientists tell us that it is a long way removed 

 from them, and indeed some place it nearer the 

 Bustards. There are many species of Cranes, and 

 they are to be found practically the world over, for 

 not only in Africa and Europe, but Asia, and 

 Australia, and America all have their special Cranes. 



In many of the wall-paintings throughout Egypt 

 Cranes are shown, and in none are they in more 

 exact truth than in the temple at Deir-el-Bahari. 

 There they are shown walking in stately fashion 

 between slaves bearing precious burdens ; whilst 

 some carry garden produce, rich fruits, and flowers, 

 others are laden with ready trussed fowls and 

 ducks, and amidst them all the graceful bird walks 

 on. One wonders it does not fly away, for these 

 good things do but foreshadow its own end ; but 

 if you look closely you will see its bill is tied 

 down close to its neck, for these old-time people 

 knew well the habits of the beasts and birds, and 



