294 A DESCRIPTION OF 
and at all times a favourite with the nations they frequent. 
The Dutch have laws against destroying them : they are 
therefore very common in Holland ; and build their nests, 
and rear their young, on the tops of houses and chimneys 
in the middle of its most frequented and populous cities. 
Or dwell in willow'd meads more near, 
With those to whom the Stork is dear. 
COLLINS. 
The Stork resembles much the crane in its conforma- 
tion, but appears somewhat more corpulent in the body. 
The former lays four eggs, whereas the latter lays but 
two. 
It is said that Storks visit Egypt in such abundance, 
that the fields and meadows are white with them. Yet 
the Egyptians are not displeased with the sight ; as frogs 
are there generated in such numbers, that did not the 
Storks devour them, they would overrun everything. 
Between Belba and Gaza, the fields of Palestine are often 
rendered desert on account of the abundance of mice and 
rats j and were they not destroyed, the inhabitants could 
have no harvest. The disposition of the Stork is mild 
and placid. This bird is easily tamed, and may be trained 
to reside in gardens, which it will clear of insects and 
reptiles. It has a grave air, and a mournful aspect ; yet, 
when roused by example, it exhibits a certain degree of 
gaiety ; for it joins in the frolics of children, hopping 
about and playing with them. 
During their migrations, Storks are observed in vast 
quantities. Dr. Shaw saw three flights of them leaving 
Egypt, and passing over Mount Carmel, each of which 
appeared to be nearly half a mile in width; and he says 
they were three hours in passing over. 
