333 POLITE CONDUCT. [CHAP. viii. 



host for so long a time, and been free from all molesta- 

 tion by the servants (through the commands of their 

 master), used every year to fly away, and return again 

 to occupy the same nest ; but this creature had a cus- 

 tom something beyond the other birds of its race, 

 whether it were taken with the humanity of its modest 

 and frugal host, or with the convenience of the spot 

 and the buildings, or whether, as is more probable, its 

 own nature led it to this ; but twice a year, namely, in 

 spring and autumn, the day before it departed and the 

 day after it had returned, it used to fly round about the 

 entrance door of its host's house, and with a clattering 

 of its beak present itself on its arrival, always with a 

 joyful, and as it were applauding gesture ; and having 

 had a word from the master, considered itself as dis- 

 missed. After these compliments had passed for many 

 years between the bird and its host, at last, when about 

 to migrate in autumn according to custom, it seemed, 

 after rattling its bill and bustling about, to take its leave 

 in a somewhat unusual and boastful manner. The master 

 wished it a pleasant journey and a safe return. On its 

 arrival in spring, the creature makes its wonted saluta- 

 tion before the house door by rattling its bill, and 

 shortly lays at the feet of the man, as if in congratula- 

 tion, a large root of fresh ginger which it produces from 

 its throat. The host wonders at the foreign and rather 

 ill-looking present, accepts it, and shows it to the 

 neighbours, who are convinced by tasting it that it is 

 a true and green root of ginger ; and, although it has 

 hitherto been doubtful, and to a degree unknown to 

 many persons (among whom is Pliny), what place 

 Storks come from and return to, it will be clear from 

 this fact that when they fly away from us, they make 



