The Stork 351 



middle of its most frequented and populous cities, and 

 may be seen by dozens familiarly walking about the 

 markets, where they feed on the offal. In some places, 

 1he stork is supposed to be a herald of good fortune to 

 the house on which it builds its nest, and the inhabi- 

 tants place boxes on their roofs to induce the birds to 

 take up their abode there. 



The Stork much resembles the crane in its confor- 

 mation, but appears somewhat more corpulent. The 

 former lays four eggs, whereas the latter lays but 

 two. 



It is said that Storks visit Egypt in such abundance, 

 that the fields and meadows are white with them. The 

 Egyptians, however, are not displeased with the sight ; 

 as frogs are there generated in such numbers, that did 

 not the Storks devour them, they would overrun every- 

 thing. Between Belba and Gaza, the fields of Palestine 

 are often rendered desert on account of the abundance 

 of mice and rats ; and were they not destroyed the in- 

 habitants could have no harvest. The disposition oi 

 the Stork is mild and placid ; it is easily tamed, and 

 may be trained to reside in gardens, which it will clear 

 of insects and reptiles. It has a grave air, and a mourn- 

 ful aspect; yet, when roused by example, exhibits a 

 certain degree of gaiety ; for it joins in the frolics of 

 children, hopping about and playing with them. 



During their migrations, Storks are observed in vast 

 quantities. Dr. Shaw saw three flights of them leaving 

 Egypt, and passing over Mount Carmel, each of which 

 appeared to be nearly half a mile in width ; and he says 

 they were three hours in passing over. 



The Stork, like the ibis, was an object of worship 

 among the ancients, and to kill them was a crime 

 punishable with death. The Stork is remarkable for 

 its great affection towards its young. This was re- 

 markably evinced during the great conflagration of 

 Delft, in Holland, during which a female Stork was 

 noticed using every endeavour to carry off her young 

 family, and continuing this labour of love until the 

 smoke and flames prevented her own escape, and she 

 perished with her brood. 



