( 202 ) 

 THE WHOOPING CRANE. 



GbUS AMERICANA, TeMM. 

 PLATE CCXXVI. Male. 



The variegated foliage of the woods indicates that the latter days of 

 October have arrived ; gloomy clouds spread over the heavens ; the fierce 

 blasts of the north, as if glad to escape from the dreary regions of their 

 nativity, sport in dreadful revelry among the forests and glades. Showers 

 of sleet and snow descend at intervals, and the careful husbandman ga- 

 thers his flocks, to drive them to a place of shelter. The traveller gladly 

 accepts the welcome of the forester, and as he seats himself by the blaz- 

 ing fire, looks with pleasure on the spinning wheels of the industrious in- 

 mates. The lumberer prepares to set out on his long voyage, the trapper 

 seeks the retreats of the industrious beaver, and the red Indian is making 

 arrangements for his winter hunts. The Ducks and Geese have already 

 reached the waters of the western ponds ; here a Swan or two is seen 

 following in their train, and as the observer of nature stands watching 

 the appearances and events of this season of change, he hears from on 

 high the notes of the swiftly travelling but unseen Whooping Crane. 

 Suddenly the turbid atmosphere clears, and now he can perceive the 

 passing birds. Gradually they descend, dress their extended lines, and 

 prepare to alight on the earth. With necks outstretched, and long bony 

 legs extended behind, they proceed supported by wings white as the snow 

 but tipped with jet, until arriving over the great savannah they wheel 

 their circling flight, and slowly approach the ground, on which with half- 

 closed wings, and outstretched feet they alight, running along for a few 

 steps to break the force of their descent. 



Reader, see the majestic bird shake its feathers, and again arrange 

 them in order. Proud of its beautiful form, and prouder still of its 

 power of flight, it stalks over the withering grasses with all the majesty 

 of a gallant chief. With long and measured steps he moves along, his 

 head erect, his eye glistening with delight. His great journey is accom- 

 plished, and being well acquainted with a country which has often been 

 visited by him, he at once commences his winter avocations. 



