34 BRITISH BIRDS. 



In its migrations, this bird avoids the extremes 

 of heat and cold: in summer, it is never seen 

 farther north than Sweden or Russia; and in win- 

 ter, it is not known to venture further south than 

 Egypt, where it is constantly seen during that 

 season: in the intermediate countries, both in Asia 

 and Europe, it is common in the temperate seasons 

 of the year. 



Before the Storks take their departure, they 

 assemble in large flocks, and seem to confer on the 

 plan of their route. Though very silent at other 

 times, on this occasion they make a singular clat- 

 tering noise with their bills, and all seems bustle 

 and consultation. The first north wind is the 

 signal for their departure, when the whole body 

 become silent, and move at once, generally in the 

 night.* 



The Stork is now seldom seen in Britain : Wallis, 

 in his History of Northumberland, mentions one 

 which was killed near Chollerford Bridge, in the 

 year 1766. Its skin was nailed up against the wall 

 of the inn at that place, and drew crowds of people 

 from the adjacent parts to view it. The foregoing 

 flgure was taken from a stuffed specimen in the 

 Wycliffe Museum. 



"The Stork in the heavens knoweth her appointed times; and 

 the Turtle, and the Crane, and the Swallow, observe the time of 

 their coming." Jeremiah viii. 7. 



