BIRDS. 291 
and water-insects. Their long beaks enable them to 
search the water and mud for their prey, and their long 
necks prevent the necessity of stooping to pick up from be- 
tween their feet the smallest objects of their search. Cranes, 
when in a state of rest, always stand on one leg, with the 
other drawn up close to the body. The top of the head is 
black, destitute of feathers, and covered with a kind of 
hairs or bristles ; the throat and sides of the neck are of 
a black hue ; the back, the coverings of the feathers, and 
the body are ash-coloured. They used to be common in 
the fen countries, Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire ; 
but they are not now so frequently seen in England as 
formerly. In their flight, Cranes mount high in the air, 
and although the birds cease to be perceptible to the eye, 
yet their voices can be heard ; and it is said that their sight 
is so keen, that they discover at a great distance any field 
of corn, or other food which they are fond of, and pre- 
sently alight and enjoy it. These depredations they 
generally commit during the night, and they trample 
down the ground as if it had been marched over by an 
army. They generally form themselves in the air into 
the shape of a wedge, in order to cut the adverse winds 
with greater facility. 
Part more wise, 
In common, ranged in future, wedge their way, 
Intelligent of seasons, and set forth 
Their airy caravan high over seas 
Flying, and over lands, with mutual wing 
Easing their flight. So steers the prudent Crane 
Her annual voyage, borne on winds. The air 
Floats as they pass, fann'd by unnumber'd wings. 
MILTON. 
This bird lives to a considerable age : and, as it is easily 
tamed, it has been ascertained that the Crane often reaches 
his fortieth year. 
o 2 
