166 BRITISH BIRDS' EGGS. 



The descriptions which we have seen of the nests and 

 eggs attributed to this species have been taken from those 

 of the American bird, and proceed apparently upon the sup- 

 position that the European species is identical with that. 

 According to these descriptions, the nests are built in bushes 

 or trees, at various heights above the ground, from three to 

 nearly one hundred feet, arid are formed of sticks, and lined 

 with reeds, rushes, grass, and leaves. The eggs, four or 

 five in number, are of a pale green colour, greatly resembling 

 those of the Common Heron, but less. 



THE WHITE STORK. Ciconia alba. Though a very un- 

 usual visitor in this country, the Stork is common upon the 

 European continent during the breeding season, but retires 

 to warmer regions during the winter. In France, Holland, 

 Belgium, and the German States, it is well known, and in 

 some parts of these countries its society is courted by the 

 inhabitants. It incubates on the spires and other elevated 

 structures of the towns, and artificial contrivances are even 

 prepared in some instances for its accommodation. Un- 

 molested, it will return to the same spot and the same nest 

 for years. Its range is very extensive; and it breeds in 

 Turkey, Syria, Greece, Egypt, etc. So numerous are they 

 described to be among the ruins of Persepolis, that the 



