210 History of Nature. [BooK X . 



After the same manner Geese and Swans associate toge- 

 ther ; but they are seen in their Flight. They make Way 

 forcibly after the Manner of the Beaks of Ships, for by this 

 Means they more easily divide the Air than if they drove it 

 before them with a straight Front. The Flock is spread out 

 by Degrees, expanding itself like a Wedge behind, and so 

 affords a great Space to the Wind, which impels them. They 

 rest their Necks upon those that are before them, and as the 

 Leaders become weary they retire behind. Storks seek the 

 same Nest, and they support their aged Parents in return for 

 their Kindness. 



Some say there is lamentable singing at the Death of 

 Swans, but untruly, as I suppose ; for, from some Experience, 

 these Birds devour one another's Flesh among themselves. 



But this Discourse of those Fowls that make Voyages in 

 Flocks over Seas and Lands will not allow me to put off 

 speaking of lesser Birds also, which are of the same Nature; 

 for those before-named may seem to be induced to do so by 

 the size and strength of their Bodies. Quails, 1 therefore, 

 always come before the Cranes. It is a little Bird, and when 

 it comes to us, it belongs to the Ground rather than the Air. 

 The Manner of their flying is like the former ; not without 

 some Danger of the Sailors when they approach near to 

 Land. Because they often settle upon their Sails, which they 

 do always in the Night, and sink Vessels. Their Journey is 

 through established Resting-places. In the Southwind they 

 do not fly; because it is wet and heavy. And yet they 

 choose to be conveyed by the Wind, on Account of the 

 Weight of their Bodies arid their feeble Strength. Hence as 

 they fly their complaining expresses their Effort. Com- 

 monly, therefore, they fly with a North Wind, the Ortygo- 

 metra being the Leader. The first of them, as it approacheth 



1 Tetrao coturnix, LINN. Some have supposed the Ortygometra (Mo- 

 ther of Quails) to be only a larger individual of this species ; others sup- 

 pose it the Rail, Eallus crcx. It is judged with some probability that not 

 this species, but the Katta (Tetrao alchala, LINN.) is the bird referred to, 

 under the name of Quail, in the Books of Moses, and by David, Ps. Ixxviii. 

 Wern, Club. 



