340 A FLIGHT OF CRANES. 
Interesting as is the crane from the mythological point of view, he 
is not less so in relation to the once popular pastime of falconry. In 
Europe, during the Middle Ages, and in Asia, everywhere and always, the 
crane has been considered a royal or imperial bird of the first class. 
In Japan, where he is and has ever been reserved for the sovereign's 
use, he is treated with great distinction. Nor is less consideration 
shown liim b}^ the Tartars, who are well known to be skilful falconers. 
We conclude our notice of this remarkable bird, in which we have 
introduced so mucli of the pleasant fancy of the author of the Ornv- 
thologie Passionelle, with an extract, plain and sober, from an English 
traveller and naturalist. Sir J. Richardson, who speaks not less enthu- 
siastically than the fervent Frenchman of the migratory array of the 
cranes. Immediately after landing, he says, we were surprised and 
delighted with a flight of birds, which we discerned at first like a 
thick dark speck in the heavens, gradually enlarging as it approached, 
and revealing at length the manner and order of their flight. They 
wheeled along in airy movements in the form of a semiciixle, enclosing 
within itself numbers of smaller circles ; the component parts of which 
were constantly shifting their relative positions, advancing to the front 
as if by a sudden impulse, then falling back to the rear, alternatel}' occu- 
pying and giving place to others. The lively competition was con- 
stantly maintained ; each of them every instant passing or passed by his 
fellows. All was grace and harmony, adds Sir J. Richardson, not one 
discordant movement throughout the whole array ; everything appeared 
as if regulated by a ^preconcerted plan, in which each member under- 
stood and performed his part with freedom and precision, alike the 
subordinates and the superiors. They held on their steady flight from 
north to south, following the course of the river as for as the eye could 
accompany them. 
PHEASANTS. 
Is it not Pope who describes so well the death of the pheasant, 
brought down by the gun of some relentless sportsman ? — 
" See from the brake the whirring pheasant springs, 
And mounts exulting on triumphant %vnngs ! 
Short is his joy ; lie feels the fiery wound, 
Flutters in blood, and panting beats the ground. 
