CRANE. 127 



The Crane is one of the most interesting of the feathered 

 tribes ; its stature is very beautifully proportioned, yet mus- 

 cular, and its manners and bearing intelligent and imposing. 

 The motions of this bird are so very much, more graceful 

 than those of the storks and herons, that they can bear no 

 comparison. When the Crane walks about, it moves on in 

 long strides and regular steps, and whether in slow or quick 

 motion, is equally graceful. When on the wing, the Crane 

 flies with beak, neck, and legs extended in a straight line, 

 like the herons, but at times it circles round and elevates 

 itself with much ease above the clouds, and out of sight. 



During fine weather it is no uncommon thing to see a 

 flock of Cranes soaring in the air and apparently exercising 

 themselves. When on the ground, the Crane is at times 

 sedate and pensive, and at other times very riotous and 

 playful : under the last-mentioned influences, it runs about 

 or jumps, hops or bows, like an actor rehearsing his part,, 

 and also plays ball with a stone or piece of stick, to the 

 great amusement of the beholder. By nature the Crane is 

 shy, and always on its guard, besides being exceedingly 

 quick in avoiding danger : it is therefore natural that this 

 bird lives generally to a great age. Its watchfulness in 

 avoiding danger is sufficiently proved by the very rare 

 occurrence of a sportsman getting, under any circumstances, 

 near enough to shoot a Crane, for it seems impossible to 

 steal upon this bird, or to calculate upon its revisiting a 

 certain spot twice, in order to lie in ambush for it. The 

 tall stature of the Crane may aid it much in seeing any- 

 thing approach ; and the precaution of the outposts or 

 sentinels, when there is a party feeding or otherwise employed 

 on the ground, entirely frustrates any intended surprise. 



Among themselves the Cranes are very sociable ; and, 

 unless some jealousy arises during the breeding season, either 

 for the possession of a place for breeding or for a mate, the 



