OF BIRDS. 
239 
lioned to the length of it legs. The top of the head is 
covered with black bristles, and the back of it, which is 
bald and of a red colour, distinguishes it from the stork, 
to which it would otherwise bear a very near resem- 
blance. The plumage is generally ash-coloured, and 
from the pinion of each wing, grow two large tufts of 
feathers finely curled at the ends; which the bird can 
erect or depress at pleasure. 
The arctic regions seem to be the favourite abode of 
these birds: for although they are found in most parts 
of Europe, except Great Britain, they may be considered 
as visitants rather than inhabitants; as they migrate from 
one part to another, and seem to follow the seasons. As 
they rise but heavily, they are extremely shy, and seldom 
let the fowler approach them. Their depredations are 
usually made at night, when they will enter a field of 
corn, and trample it down, as if it had been crossed over 
by a regiment of soldiers. On other occasions they 
choose some extensive solitary marsh, where they range 
themselves all day, as if they were in deliberation: and, 
not finding that gain which is most suitable to their ap- 
petites, they wade the marshes for insects and other 
food, which they can procure with less difficulty and 
danger. The female lays .wo eggs about the size of 
those of a goose, but of a bluish colour. The young 
ones may be easily domesticated, which experience has 
proved. 
Gigantic Crane. (Ardea HurgiL Ives. PI. 40.) 
This bird is much larger than the former, measuring 
from tip to tip of the wings nearly fifteen feet. The bill 
is of a vast size, nearly triangular, and sixteen inches 
round at the base. The head and neck are naked, except 
a few straggling curled hairs. The feathers of the back 
and wings are of a bluish ash colour, and very stout; 
those of the breast are long. The craw hangs down the 
fore part of the neck like a pouch. The belly is covered 
with a dirty white down, and the upper part of the back 
and shoulders are surrounded with the same. The legs 
and half the thighs are naked: and the naked parts are 
full three feet in length. 
