NUMIDIAN AND GIGANTIC CRANES 187 



and were held in much estimation for the delicacy of their 

 flesh. Their favourite food is corn, but scarcely any thing 

 comes amiss to their appetite. The common people of 

 every country still pay a kind of affectionate regard to 

 cranes, the ancient prejudices in their favour even now 

 continuing to operate. 



There are various species ; as the Balearic or crowned 

 African crane, the hooping crane, the Numidian crane, 

 and the gigantic crane. The two last of these shall be 

 here described, on account of their singular habits. 



THE NUMIDIAN CRANE. 



This species obtains the different appellations of the 

 buffoon-bird, and the demoiselle, or lady; for, no sooner 

 does it perceive itself noticed, than it begins to dance or 

 curvet, and to exhibit a variety of gesticulations; but 

 whether these antic tricks proceed from vanity or fear is 

 yet undecided. 



The Numidian crane is adorned with a crest of white 

 feathers ; but the rest of the plumage has a leaden grey 

 colour, except some large feathers in the wings, which 

 are darker, as are a few about the head and neck. Besides 

 the crest, the fore part of the neck is covered with some 

 black feathers, composed of very fine soft filaments, which 

 hang down on the stomach, and give a degree of elegance 

 to its whole figure. 



THE GIGANTIC CRANE. 



The expansion of the wings of this species is nearly 

 fifteen feet, and the height, when the head is erect, is 

 about seven. It is found in Africa; but is most commonly 

 "known and noticed in Bengal, where it arrives before the 

 rainy season, and retires as soon as the dry weather com- 

 mences. Its aspect is disgusting ; yet the centinel bird, 

 as it is called in Calcutta, is one of the most useful, by 

 clearing the country of snakes, reptiles, and insects, and 

 the streets of garbage of any kind. 



