CEANE. 67 



forwardness or backwardness of the season. In fine weather 

 they proceed leisurely, but if a change is brooding, accelerate 

 their movements. It is said that they never fly due north 

 and south, but rather east and west. Excepting at the times 

 of migration, Cranes are only seen singly, or in pairs; but 

 at those seasons they collect in large flocks of several 

 thousands, subdividing into groups of from twenty to sixty, 

 one of the largest and strongest birds heading each of these, 

 spread out behind him into two diverging lines, each group 

 keeping near together. They affect lowland and flat countries, 

 resorting in summer to morasses, or any damp and moist 

 places, wading about on the insecure ground in search of 

 food, which the} T also seek at times in the neighbouring cul- 

 tivated lands. It is said, however, that they prognosticate a 

 dry season, and in anticipation of such do not resort to 

 their accustomed haunts, as if aware that these would no 

 longer afford them the necessary protection, owing to their 

 dried state. 



In fine weather they may not unfrequently be seen sailing 

 overhead, as if enjoying the pastime; sometimes they ascend 

 to a great height until no longer visible. They are by 

 nature shy birds, and for the most part apparently sedate 

 and pensive, but on some occasions addict themselves to 

 playing and gambolling about in an odd and curious manner. 

 They are very watchful, and sentinels give due notice of 

 the propinquity of any danger. Their manners are intelligent, 

 their gait majestic, their form being robust and at the same 

 time well proportioned: they are striking and noble looking 

 birds. They roost on the ground, flying round and round 

 first to reconnoitre the position before trusting themselves 

 to alight, and this on some open place from whence a good 

 look-out can be kept. They seldom perch on trees or 

 buildings. 



If leaving her nest the Crane creeps along for a great 

 distance in a stooping position, before shewing herself in 

 flight, so that, in addition to the difficulty imposed by its 

 position, the nest is not easily found. 



Among themselves they are very sociable, and never quarrel 

 one with another, or with other kinds. They are easily 

 tamed, and soon become attached to those who take care of 

 them. They are, however, susceptible of anger, and when 

 provoked become dangerous. 



Meyer writes, 'Brehm relates some interesting particulars 



