Biuus. 309 



It was once the barbarous custom to breed up cranes to be 

 thus baited ; and young ones were taken from the nest, to be 

 trained up for this cruel diversion. It is an animal easily tamed ; 

 and, if we can believe Albertus Magnus, has a particular affec- 

 tion for man.* This quality, however, was not sufficient to 

 guard it from being made the victim of his fierce amusements. 

 The female, which is easily distinguished from the male, by not 

 being bald behind as he is, never lays above two eggs at a time ; 

 being like those of a goose, but of a bluish colour. The young 

 ones are soon fit to fly, and then the parents forsake them to 

 shift for themselves ; but, before this time, they are led forth to 

 the places where their food is most easily found. Though yet 

 unfledged, they run with such swiftness that a man cannot easily 

 overtake them. We are told, that as they grow old, their plum- 

 age becomes darker; and, as a proof of their longevity, Aldro- 

 vandus assures us, that a friend of his kept one tame for above 

 forty years. 



Whatever may have been the disposition of the great, the 

 vulgar of every country, to this day, bear the crane a compas- 

 sionate regard. It is possible the ancient prejudices in its favour, 

 which once having been planted are eradicated but slowly, may 

 still continue to operate. In some countries, it is considered as 

 a heinous offence to kill a crane ; and though the legislature 

 declines to punish, yet the people do not fail to resent the in- 

 jury. The crane, they, in some measure, consider as the pro- 

 phet of the season : upon its approach or delay they regulate the 

 periods of their rural economy. If their favourite bird comes 

 early in the season, they expect a plentiful summer; if he is 

 slow in his visits, they then prepare for an unfavourable spring. 

 Whatever wisdom there may be in despising the prejudices of 

 the vulgar, there is but little in condemning them. They have 

 generally had their origin in good motives ; and it should never 

 be our endeavours to sujjpress any tender emotions of friendship 

 or pity in those hard breasts that are, in general, unstisceptiblo 

 »f either. 



* Biisbequiiis tells us of a Spaniard wlio was so bcloipd by a crane of 

 Majorca, tliat the pour bird would walk any where with him, aiid in his 

 absence seek about for him, msikc a noise Uiat he might hear her, and knock 

 at his door ; and when he took his hist farewell, not able to sustain licr loss 

 and passionate desire, she abstained from all food and died. 



