200 THE WHITE STORK. 



all matters are arranged, the period for their de- 

 parture is fixed, and all the birds, arising with 

 one consent, are soon on their way, sailing high 

 amid the clouds. 



It is not frequently that opportunities of ob- 

 serving their departure occur, as it often takes 

 place in the night ; and moreover, instead of 

 flying off with much clamour, after the manner 

 of the noisy cranes and wild geese, they set forth 

 in silence, like beings who embark in some high 

 emprize, with which they are too much occupied 

 to give it utterance. They have been compared 

 to well disciplined warriors, proceeding on their 

 course with the utmost order, and in perfect 

 silence. 



Milton has thus described their flight. 



" Part loosely wing the region, part more rise, 

 In common, ranged in figure, wedge their way. 

 Intelligent of seasons, and set forth 

 Their airy caravan, high over seas 

 Flying, and over lands, with mutual wing 

 Easing their flight." 



The southern countries to which they prin- 

 cipally migrate for the winter season, are Egypt 

 and Barbary, where they are found in great 

 numbers, in the autumn and winter. Most of 

 these, on the return of spring, fly back to their 

 old haunts in the northern climates, each couple. 



