170 THE CRANE. 



peacefully in a body, it is a sign of fine weather ; but 

 if they fly low, or alight on the ground, it is said to 

 be a sure indication of a storm or tempest. Nor is it 

 improbable that this is true ; since the same natural 

 instinct which leads this bird to know when to begin 

 its yearly flight, might also teach it how to shun a 

 coming storm. 



These birds rear their young in the regions of the 

 north. Their nests are placed on the ground, amidst 

 the most solitary and dreary swamps, and their eggs 

 are only two in number. 



The Cranes are remarkably accurate in observing 

 the time when their long voyages are to begin, and 

 they discover much sagacity in arranging themselves 

 in the best manner for their flight. Each flock takes 

 the form of the letter V, moving through the air with 

 the sharp end forward, and being led by a particular 

 one, probably on account of his age and experience. 

 In case of contrary winds, they move in such close 

 order as to appear as one body, thus taking the form 

 which least impedes their flight. 



The accuracy with which the Crane observes the 

 time of her flight, is taken notice of in the Scriptures. 

 " The Crane and the Swallow observe the time of 

 their coming ; but my people know not the judgment 

 of the Lord." Jeremiah, chap. 8, verse 7. 



This was a sharp reproof of the conduct of the Jews, 

 who, though they had seen the mighty works of the 

 Lord, were yet less mindful of his commands, than 

 were the birds of the air to the stated times of their 

 migrations. 



