126 gruidjE. 



stance has been related by two great continental ornitholo- 

 gists, namely, Bechstein and Brehm, that the Crane is sure 

 to be attracted by a fire during the night, if a flock of these 

 birds happens to be on the wing ; and these gentlemen 

 speak of having witnessed a large fire in the village of 

 Ernstroda, in Thuringia, during which a number of Cranes 

 lowered on the wing with loud and constant cackling. The 

 appearance of these birds flying round and round the fire, 

 relieved against the dark sky, and reddened by the reflection 

 from the flames of the fire, resembled nothing so much as 

 evil spirits. It is also noticed by the same parties that 

 Cranes never fly due north or south, but frequently east 

 or west, and that the manner of their flight, as to position, 

 or rank and file, is very interesting to witness. 



The Crane resorts in summer to moist and springy 

 woods, particularly alder plantations which border on cul- 

 tivated lands, meadows which are partially inundated, or 

 swamps where short herbage grows. In boggy morasses, 

 where man cannot find a footing, the Crane enjoys to 

 wade among the broken ground, and stumps of willows and 

 alder, particularly during the breeding season. At the 

 same time the birds resort frequently to corn and pea fields, 

 being particularly fond of peas. The Crane seldom perches 

 in trees, or on buildings or rocks, but roosts invariably on 

 the ground, choosing for the purpose an open situation, 

 as bare of trees and bushes as can be found. When such 

 a spot is selected, the bird flies at least for a quarter of an 

 hour round and round, at the same time lowering itself 

 and reconnoitering the place. The party when alighted 

 stations sentinels in all directions, which never fail to give 

 timely notice of the approach of danger. During the time 

 that the Crane sleeps, its attitude is generally that of stand- 

 ing on one leg, and drawing the other up close to its body ; 

 and its head is then rested on its back, with the beak hidden 

 in the feathers. 



