396 THE BLACK STORK. 



assembled in the place, and formed a circle, taking no notice 

 of the numerous spectators, which so unusual an occurrence 

 had collected. The female was brought into the midst of 

 the circle, and after some consultation the whole flock fell 

 upon her, and tore her to pieces, after which they imme- 

 diately dispersed, and the nest was entirely abandoned." 



Independently of punishing delinquents for infidelity, judg- 

 ment is believed to be passed for other offences against the 

 community. But if individuals are actually put to death, as 

 asserted, it would seem more probable that it is because they 

 are sick or disabled, and incapable of following their brethren 

 to other lands. 



Though the stork may not at all times sufficiently respect 

 the nuptial tie, certain it is that these birds not unfrequently 

 evince extraordinary constancy towards each other. We read, 

 for instance, of a male stork, who though necessitated to 

 leave his mate behind when he migrated, owing to her 

 wing being injured, returned every year to her at the usual 

 time, and finally remained with her for the whole of three 

 consecutive winters. 



The stork is easily domesticated, but in confinement is not 

 nearly so amusing as the crane. If allowed its full liberty, 

 it associates with the domestic animals about the place, 

 and is contented with what it can pick up ; or it flies away 

 in the day time to cater for itself, and returns again in the 

 evening. It is not equally friendly towards every one, and 

 shows its gratification by snapping its bill together, and 

 spreading its tail in the manner of a wheel. 



The Black Stork (Svart Stork, Sw. ; C. nigra, Ray) was 

 rare with us. It is found, though sparingly, in the southern 

 and more central provinces of Sweden, but not, as it would 



