46 
The Balearic Crane was unknown? till we became ac- 
quainted with the birds of tropical climates, when one of 
the Crane kind with a topping was brought into Europe, 
and described by Aldrovandus as Pliny’s Balearic Crane. 
It is nearly of the shape and size of the ordinary Crane, 
with long legs and a long neck, like others of the kind ; 
but the bill is shorter, and the colour of the feathers is 
of a dark greenish grey. The head and throat form the 
most striking part of this bird’s figure. On its head is a 
thick round crest, made of bristles, which spreads every 
way, and which resembles rays standing out in every 
different direction. The longest of these rays are about 
three inches and an half ; and they are al topped -with 
a kind of black tassels, which give them a beautiful ap- 
pearance. The sides of the head and cheeks are bare, 
whitish, and edged with red, while underneath the throat 
hangs a kind of bag or wattle, like that of a cock, but 
Fiot divided into two. This bird comes from the coast of 
Africa and the Cape de Verde Islands. When it runs, 
it stretches out its wings, and goes very swiftly; at other 
times its usual motion is very slow. In their domestic 
state, they walk very deliberately among other poultry, 
and suffer themselves to be approached by every specta- 
tor. They never roost in houses. But about night, 
when they are disposed to rest, they search out some 
high wall, on which they perch in the manner of a pea- 
cock. Indeed they so much resemble that bird in manners 
and disposition, that some have described them by the 
name of the sea-peacock. But though their voice and 
roosting be similar, their food, which is entirely upon 
greens, vegetables, and barley, seems to be somewhat 
different. 
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