120 BIRDS 



which afford seclusion to any birds which desire it. One 

 of the most valuable features, however, is a little stream that 

 traverses the entire length of the paddock. The birds derive 

 an infinite amount of pleasure from wading and probing 

 about in the little pools, and the effect produced is certainly 

 most pleasing to onlookers. A small shed is provided for 

 use during severe weather, although it is seldom entered. 



Few birds require so little attention as the cranes. Their 

 chief food is grain, but occasional mice, frogs, fish or 

 chopped meat are always appreciated and become a necessity 

 during cold weather. Most of the species are perfectly 

 hardy, provided healthy specimens are secured. If acquired 

 in the spring and given an opportunity for becoming ac- 

 climated, they will live in the open through the winter, 

 happily and well, requiring only that they receive their 

 food and water regularly. Some protection from wind 

 should be provided, of course ; and it is well to place within 

 the enclosure a small shed, although it is safe to say that 

 the birds will use it rarely, unless driven in. 



A surprising assiduity in the search for worms and tender 

 roots is a failing which may become serious, and result, 

 especially after rain, in the uprooting of patches of turf. 

 Generally this can be checked effectively either by confining 

 the birds for a short time following showers, or by cover- 

 ing their favorite feeding-grounds with small branches. 



The greatest difficulty in the maintenance of a large col- 

 lection of cranes is found in the erratic disposition of the 

 birds. A number may live together for months in perfect 

 harmony; but just as the collector begins to congratulate 

 himself on their good behavior, one may be found with an 

 eye missing or with its skull pierced! It really is not safe 

 to associate the larger and smaller species in a permanent 

 group, unless the enclosure be very large or the number of 

 birds very small. Great care must be taken in introducing 



