40 



HABITS OF BIRDS. 



Crane. 



as we may translate the passage, " have a leader, as 

 well as sentinels placed in their rear rank, so that 

 their alarm-call may be heard *." Pliny gives a still 

 more minute detail of their proceedings. Speaking 

 of their migration, he says, " They put not them- 

 selves in their journey, nor set forward without a 

 counsel called before, and a general consent. They 

 flie aloft, because they would have a better prospect 

 to see before them ; and for this purpose a captain 

 they chuse to guide them, whom the rest follow 

 In the rereward behind, there be certain of them 

 * Hist. nim. ix. 10, 



