504 GRUID^. 



the air, their sonorous voices distinctly heard even from 

 their elevated course. Occasionally they descend, attracted 

 by newly sown fields, or the prospect of finding food in 

 marshes, on the borders of rivers, or even the shores of the 

 sea, but generally they continue their flight unchecked 

 towards their destined resting-places." 



These birds are seen also periodically in Spain, in Pro- 

 vence, at Genoa, and in Italy. M. Malherbe says that in 

 Sicily, on the occurrence of the first fine weather in spring, 

 Cranes are seen at a great height in the air on their way 

 north from Algeria ; a few remaining for a short time 

 to rest, and then pursue their route. Egypt, and various 

 parts of Africa, are said to be their winter quarters. They 

 are seen in Syria. Mr. Strickland, in his enumeration of 

 birds at Smyrna, includes a flock of Cranes seen in the 

 plain of Sardis at the end of April 1836 ; and M. Hohe- 

 nacker includes the Crane among the birds of the country 

 between the Black and the Caspian Seas. This species is 

 found in Thibet, Nepal and Calcutta, and M. Temminck 

 says that specimens from Japan exactly resemble those of 

 Europe. 



The Crane, having a strong and thick muscular stomach, 

 its food is of a more variable nature than is usual among 

 waders generally ; it will feed occasionally on grain and 

 aquatic plants ; at other times it makes a meal of worms, 

 reptiles, and mollusca. 



The nest is usually placed among reeds, thick osier-beds, 

 or the luxuriant vegetation of morasses, and the borders of 

 lakes, but sometimes also on the top of old buildings or 

 ruins, where solitude promises security. The Crane lays 

 but two eggs : these are rare in collections. I possess one, 

 given me by Mr. W. I. Tuke, of York : this egg mea- 

 sures four inches in length, by two inches and three-eighths 



