NATURALIST'S CABINET. 



Sentinels to denote danger. 



the night ; and the circumspection of these birds 

 has been consecrated in the ancient hierogly- 

 phics as the symbol of vigilance. 



According to Kolben, they are often observed 

 in large flocks on the marshes about the Cape of 

 Good Hope. He says, he never saw a flock of 

 them on the ground that had not some placed, 

 apparently, as sentinels, to keep a look out, while 

 the others were feeding ; arid these, on the ap- 

 proach of danger, immediately gave notice to the 

 rest. These sentinels stand on one leg; and, at 

 intervals, stretch out their necks, as if to observe 

 that all is safe. On notice being given of dan- 

 ger, the whole flock are in an instant on the 

 wing. Kolben also adds, that in the night-time 

 each of the watching cranes, which rest on thei$ 

 left legs, " hold in the right claw a stone of con* 

 siderable weight ; in order that, if overcome by 

 sleep, the falling of the stone may awake them!" 



The crane, like all other large birds (except 

 the rapacious tribe), has much difficulty in com- 

 mencing its flight. It runs a few steps ; opens 

 its wings ; and then, having a clear space, dis- 

 plays its vigorous and rapid pinions. 



Cranes are seen in France in the spring and 

 autumn ; but are, for the most part, merely pas- 

 sengers. It is said that they formerly visited the 

 marshes of Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire IIL 

 vast flocks, but none have of late been met witb. 

 Their flesh is black, tough, and bad. 



