376 EASILY DOMESTICATED. 



believed to sit for four weeks, and the young are hatched in 

 the month of June. 



From the crane being in but little request for the table, it 

 is not much sought after by Scandinavian sportsmen; and 

 from its shyness, moreover, is not easy of approach. The best 

 way of getting within range of the bird, is by means of a 

 stalking horse, real or artificial ; or if the nature of the 

 ground will admit of it, in a cart or other vehicle. In parts 

 of Germany, according to Bechstein, it is captured in strong 

 horse-hair snares, or by means of a similar Strut as that used 

 for the magpie, smeared with bird-lime. 



The crane is readily domesticated. I myself had one for 

 a long time in my possession, which was so tame as to be 

 allowed, though with clipped wings, to go at large. It was 

 the most amusing of birds, and could dance to perfection. 

 If a fish was held out to it (and for hours together it would 

 watch the people when angling at the river side, in hopes of 

 coming in for a share of the spoil), and that "Hans" was 

 told it should be rewarded with a fish if it danced, it would 

 at once begin to cut all kinds of capers to the great gratifi- 

 cation of the bystanders. 



This crane was in general very harmless ; but from some 

 cause or other, it had taken a mortal dislike to a certain little 

 boy. Whether it arose from his always exhibiting great 

 fright at its presence, or that he had. given offence to the 

 bird, is hard to say; but so it was, that whenever it saw 

 him, it would immediately start off in pursuit, which gave 

 rise to many ludicrous scenes. One day it came unawares 

 upon him whilst bathing. Observing its approach, he became 

 terribly alarmed, and made at once for the shore; but the 

 bird intercepted his retreat, and compelled him to hurry back 



