138 THE STORK. 



of two brown Cranes (Arclea pavonia,} one of them at 

 length died, and the survivor became disconsolate. 

 He was apparently following his companion, when 

 his master introduced a large looking-glass into the 

 aviary. The bird no sooner beheld his reflected 

 image, than he fancied she for whom he mourned 

 had returned to him; he placed himself close to the 

 mirror, plumed his feathers, and showed every sign 

 of happiness. The scheme answered completely: 

 the Crane recovered his health and spirits, passed 

 almost all his time before the looking-glass, and 

 lived many years after, dying at length of an acci- 

 dental injury. 



In return for this attachment, the male expects 

 the strictest fidelity from his partner; and it would 

 seem, from the following anecdote, that severe 

 punishment awaits the mother suspected of incon- 

 stancy. We do not recollect where the first occurred, 

 but the latter, which was seen by numbers of the 

 most respectable persons, and communicated from 

 the best authority, lately took place near Smyrna. 

 Some hens' eggs were placed in a Stork's nest, and 

 the others removed. The female Stork, not aware 

 of the change, sat patiently the appointed number of 

 days, till the shells were broken, and the young 

 chickens made their appearance. No sooner were 

 they seen by the old birds, than they testified their 

 surprise by harsh notes and fierce looks, and after a 

 short pause, they jointly fell on the unfortunate 

 chickens and pecked them to pieces, as if conscious 

 of the disgrace which, might be supposed to attach 

 to a dishonoured nest. Whether the female suf- 

 fered afterwards, we do not know. We shall see, 



