WHITE STOBK. 



CICONIA ALBA, Bechstein. 



Cicouia alba, Bechstein, Naturg. Deutsclil. iii. p. 48 (1793) ; 

 Nauru, ix. p. 231 ; Macg. iv. p. 481 ; Heivitson, ii. p. 317 ; 

 Yarr. ed. 4, iv. p. 219; Dresser, vi. p. 297. 



Cigogne, French ; Storch, German ; Cigiiefia, Spanish. 



Although there is, as I believe, no authentic record 

 of the nesting of this very handsome bird in our country, 

 it would seem probable, from the frequency of its visits, 

 especially to our eastern counties, that if unmolested 

 the White Stork would become as regular a breeder in 

 England as it now is in the Netherlands and many 

 districts of Central Europe. But, alas ! collectors of, 

 and dealers in, so-called British birds have, with a few 

 most honourable exceptions, no mercy when a compara- 

 tively scarce bird is to be obtained, and the misguided 

 Storks that visit us, deluded perchance by the security 

 from human persecution that they have enjoyed for 

 generations amidst our continental neighbours, fall easy 

 victims to the armed "loafers" who infest our coasts 

 and unpreserved marsh-lands. In Holland especially, 

 but by no means there only, the White Stork is protected 



