344 



BIRDS. 



among sand and pebbles, which they so much resemble in size 

 and colour that they are not easily discovered ; or like the sea- 

 snipe, they construct on the ground, among long grass and hea- 

 ther, an apology for a nest, composed of a little moss and some 

 dried leaves and fibres. In this the female contrives to place her 

 eggs so that they occupy the smallest possible space, by making 

 them all meet at their smaller ends, which taper much more than 

 the eggs of most other birds (Fig. 377). 



TRIBE II. CULTRIROSTRES. 



The Oultrirostres * are known by their large, long, and strong 

 beak, which is generally trenchant and sharp pointed : in 



IMG. 378. CROWNED CRANE. 



FIG. 379. HERON. 



The Cranes (Grits), however, the bill is scarcely longer than the head. The 

 Common Crane (Grus cinered) is a very beautiful bird, standing upwards of 

 four feet in height. It has been celebrated from the remotest antiquity on 

 account of its periodical migration, which carries it every autumn from north 

 to south, and every spring in the opposite direction: on these occasions cranes 

 fly in numerous flocks and observe the most perfect discipline. These birds 

 will eat grain, but they prefer insects and worms, which they obtain abun- 

 dantly in the marshy countries they frequent. The ancients frequently make 

 allusion to the cranes, because their high-road during their migrations lies 

 through Greece and Asia Minor. 



* Culter, the coulter of a plough ; rostrum, a beak. 



