348 Birds. 



but are not now so frequently seen in England as for- 

 merly. In their flight, Cranes mount high in the air, 

 but their voices can be heard even when the birds cease 

 to be perceptible to the eye, and it is said that their 

 sight is so keen that they discover at a great distance 

 any field of corn or other food which they are fond of, 

 and presently alight and enjoy it. These depredations 

 they generally commit during the night, trampling down 

 the ground as if it had been marched over by an army. 

 They generally form themselves in the air in the shape 

 of a wedge. 



" Part more wise, 



In common, ranged in figure, wedge their way, 

 Intelligent of seasons, and set forth 

 Their aery caravan high over seas 

 Flying, and over lands, with mutual wing 

 Easing their flight. So steers the prudent Crane 

 Her annual voyage, borne on winds. The air 

 Floats as they pass, fann'd by unnumber'd wings." 



MILTON. 



This bird lives to a considerable age, and as it is 

 easily tamed, it has been ascertained that the Crane 

 often reaches his fortieth year. Its nest is usually built 

 amongst the reeds and sedges of a marsh, but sometimes 

 upon a ruined building. The female lays two eggs, of a 

 pale brown colour, with darker spots. 



According to Kolben, they are often observed in large 

 flocks on the marshes about the Cape of Good Hope. 

 He says he never saw a flock of them on the ground 

 that had not some placed apparently as sentinels, to 

 keep a look out while the others are feeding, who on the 

 approach of danger immediately give notice to the rest. 

 These sentinels stand on one leg, and at intervals stretch 

 out their necks, as if to observe that all is safe. On 

 notice being given of danger, the whole flock are in an 

 instant on the wing. Kolben also adds that in the night 

 time each of the watching Cranes, which rest on their left 

 legs, hold in their right claw a stone of considerable 

 weight, in order that, if overcome by sleep, the falling 

 of the stone may awaken them. 



