GRUIDA. 521 
THE CRANE. 
Grus communis, Bechstein. 
There is evidence that until the year 1590 the Crane used to breed 
in the fens and swamps of East Anglia, and its visits in winter 
continued with regularity to a later period, though they gradually 
diminished in frequency. In the present century it can only be con- 
sidered as of irregular occurrence in England, while it is very rare 
on the mainland of Scotland, and only an occasional visitor to the 
Orkneys and Shetlands. In Ireland a few have been obtained, the 
latest in September 1896. When estimating the value of early 
records respecting its supposed abundance, it must be remembered 
that the Heron was—and still is—frequently known as the ‘ Crane.’ 
Ss 
