STORKS 



kind of offal or other animal substances. Now, although 

 the stork is naturally tame, it is not exactly the sort of 

 bird of which to make a pet — at least for children. Its 

 sharp and pointed bill is very apt to be used and directed 

 towards the eyes of any one who may attempt to take any 

 kind of liberty with it, or in any way interfere with the 

 liberty it takes in trespassing on or about the premises. 

 The bird is, however, easily driven off, and rarely offers any 

 resistance. The stork will bear our winter tolerably well, 

 considering that the habits of the bird are migratory, leav- 

 ing the northern parts of Europe about the month of Sep- 

 tember to pass the winter in Northern Africa, Egypt 

 being visited by large numbers. It is only by constant 

 attention, however, to provide it with food during the frost 

 and hard weather that the bird can be kept, and an open dry 

 shed for the bird to take shelter in is about all that has to 

 be supplied. While upon the subject of tame pets, I may 

 mention that my experience (which is somewhat extensive) 

 has convinced me of the danger that may be encountered 

 by placing too much reliance upon the good-nature of 

 very tame animals. A tame stag during the rutting 

 season is a caution, and if you meet him alone, you soon 

 find it necessary to retire. Few ruminating animals, 

 during a certain part of the year, are to be trusted, and the 

 tamer they are at other times renders them the more 

 to be feared. Having no fear, they generally attack you, 

 whereas animals that are perfectly wild fear you, and 

 rather fly from you ; in fact, in most instances you find 

 it difficult to get near them. 



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