The Stork 351 
middle of its most frequented and populous cities, and 
may be seen by dozens familiarly walking about the 
markets, where they feed on the offal. In some places, 
the stork is supposed to be a herald of good fortune to 
the house on which it builds its nest, and the inhabi- 
tants place boxes on their roofs to induce the birds to 
take up their abode there. 
The Stork much resembles the crane in its confor- 
mation, but appears somewhat more corpulent. 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. The 
Egyptians, however, are not displeased with the sight ; 
as frogs are there generated in such numbers, that did 
not the Storks devour them, they would overrun every- 
thing. Between Belba and Gaza, the fields of Palestine 
are often rendered desert on account of the abundance 
of mice and rats ; and were they not destroyed the in- 
habitants could have no harvest. The disposition ol 
the Stork is mild and placid ; it 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 mourn- 
ful aspect; yet, when roused by example, exhibits a 
certain degree of gaiety ; for it joins in the frolics ol 
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. 
The Stork, like the ibis, was an object of worship 
among the ancients, and to kill them was a crime 
punishable with death. The Stork is remarkable for 
its great affection towards its young. This was re- 
markably evinced during the great conflagration of 
Delft, in Holland, during which a female Stork was 
noticed using every endeavour to carry off her young 
family, and continuing this labour of love until the 
smoke and flames prevented her own escape, and she 
perished with her brood. 
