FLIGHT OF THE CRANE. 



217 



CKANE AND NEST. 



providential superintendence. Of this assertion tlie truth 

 is vividly shown in the natural history of the crane. Sir 

 J. Richardson records how on one occasion he was sur- 

 prised and delighted with a flight of birds, which at first 

 appeared no more than a thick dark speck in the heavens, 

 gradually enlarging as it approached, and finally revealing 

 all the array and order of their flight. They wheeled 

 airily along in the form of a semicircle, which enclosed 

 within itself numerous smaller circles ; of these, the com- 

 ponent parts were continually shifting their relative posi- 

 tions, now pushing forward to the front, as if in obedience 

 to a sudden impulse, now falling back to the rear, alter- 

 nately replacing and giving way to others. This friendly 

 rivalry was constantly maintained ; each bird every instant 

 passing or being passed by his fellow. Yet in all these 

 incessant motions grace and harmony prevailed ; not a dis- 

 cordant movement was visible throughout the entire array ; 



