THE CROWNED CRANE. 127 



tained of its surviving. At length, and as a 

 forlorn hope, a large looking-glass was placed 

 in the aviary : the bird no sooner beheld the 

 reflection of his own image, than probably 

 conceiving it to be his companion, he 

 smoothed his ruffled plumes, assumed an air 

 of joy, regained his strength, and lived some 

 years after, perfectly contented, and passing 

 much of his time before the glass. Bartram 

 gives a singular account of the manner in 

 which the Savannah Cranes make their nests. 

 They collect a quantity of dry grass on a little 

 hillock, which is nearly as high as their bodies ; 

 and in incubating, they stand with one leg on 

 each side of the hillock, so that the breast only 

 touches the eggs. 



