THE STORK. 171 



THE STORK. 



What kind of a bird is the Stork ? 



The Stork is a bird of the crane kind. 



How large is the Stork ? 



This bird is of considerable size, measuring three 

 feet in length, and about six feet in extent ; his bill is 

 about eight inches long. 



What is the colour of this bird ? 



The colour of his neck, breast, and back is white ; 

 the quill feathers are black ; the bill and legs are red, 

 and around the eye there is a spot of dark brown. 



W hat is the shape of the Stork ? 



The shape of the Stork is similar to that of the 

 crane ; but his body is larger, and his legs not so long 

 as those of the crane. 



Where is this bird found 3 



This celebrated bird fe found in many parts of Eu- 

 rope, and in Asia ; but is particularly fond of Germa- 

 ny, and especially the low countries of Holland. 



In Holland, and in some other countries, Storks are 

 protected from injury by law. These birds, therefore, 

 become quite familiar with the habitations of man, 

 and in many jnstances, are so far domesticated as to 

 walk about the streets without concern, and pick up 

 whatever food they can find. 



They live chiefly on frogs, serpents and lizards, but 

 when tamed, they will eat any kind of meat that is 

 thrown them. In Egypt and Palestine, Storks are 

 considered of great value, on account of their destroy- 

 ing rats, and mice, which, were it not for these birds, 

 would become so numerous, as to injure the harvest. 



This bird is of a mild and pleasant disposition, and 



