THE CROWNED CRANE. 127 
tained of its surviving. At length, and as a 
forlorn hope, a large looking-glass was placed 
in the aviary : the bird no sooner beheld the 
reflection of his own image, than — probably 
conceiving it to be his companion, — he 
smoothed his ruffled plumes, assumed an air 
of joy, regained his strength, and lived some 
years after, perfectly contented, and passing 
much of his time before the glass. Bartram 
gives a singular account of the manner in 
which the Savannah Cranes make their nests. 
They collect a quantity of dry grass on a little 
hillock, which is nearly as high as their bodies ; 
and in incubating, they stand with one leg on 
each side of the hillock, so that the breast only 
touches the eggs. 
