336 
stones and brinks, are also provided with 
long toes, which enable them to stand 
more firmly in the water; and the long 
crooked talons with the middle one serrate 
give them the power of holding eels and 
other slippery fish, and also to roost on 
trees. They are very nervous birds, and are 
always on the quu vive, and this fear and 
watchfulness no doubt accounts for the lean 
condition of their bodies, notwithstanding 
which the flesh was at one time considered 
very savoury, if not delicate. 
thronement of George Neville, 
younger brother of the Harl of 
Warwick, and Archbishop of 
York, two hundred and four 
cranes were served at the 
feast ; and in the “ Northwum- 
berland Household Book” the 
price of the crane (“ cranys”) 
is marked at sixteen pence— 
only the price of a “ Bordeaux” 
At the en- 
Animal Life 
in Eneland had for some years been possessed 
of a pair of cranes; one of them at length 
died, and the survivor became disconsolate. 
He was apparently following his companion, 
when the master introduced a large mirror 
into the aviary. The bird no sooner beheld 
his reflected image than he fancied she for 
whom he mourmed had returned to him; he 
placed himself close to the mirror, plumed 
his feathers, and showed every sign of 
happiness. The scheme answered com- 
pletely; the crane recovered his health and 
spirits, passed almost all his 
time before the looking-glass, 
and lived many years after, 
at length dyimg from an 
accidental imyury. It would 
at least be amusing to see 
such an experiment carried 
out at the Zoo, although I 
am afraid the Gardens are 
“yun” too much on scientific 
(“King’s Cross’) pigeon. Al- lines to allow of such an 
though at one time plentiful, expedient in the case of 
the crane can no longer be widowhood. 
regarded as a visitor to our We 
islands. ae : 
IO “SS <S THE domestic African sheep 
as Asiane White Crane, DOMESTICATED AFRICAN SHBEP. Domestic now | oe 
although belong- 
ing to the same family, cannot 
be called beautiful or graceful 
in carriage. ‘These birds take up their winter 
quarters under the burning sun of India, 
Asiatic 
White Crane. 
but pass the summer in the northern 
parts of Russia and Germany. After the 
arrival of the flocks in these countries, 
they break up into pairs, and the nuptial 
ceremonies are accompanied by loud and 
frequent trumpetings. A gentleman residing 
[Owing to the pressure on our space this month we regret that the ‘‘ Notes and Comments” 
unavoidably held over.—Ep.] 
African Sheep. Society’s eollec- 
tion will be interesting in the future, 
when African farming is fully cultivated, as 
a reference showing whether any material 
changes have been made in the breed of sheep 
raised in Africa, especially as some people 
are of opinion that Africa will in the future 
compete with our other Colonies in mutton. 
The specimen illustrated I do not think was 
ever shown to the ordinary visitors at the 
Zoo. 
have been 
