CRANE. 
67 
forwardness or backwardness of the season. In fine weather 
they proceed leisurely, hut if a change is brooding, accelerate 
their movements. It is said that they never fly due north 
and south, but rather east and west. Excepting at the times 
of migration, Cranes are only seen singly, or in pairs; but 
at those seasons they collect in large flocks of several 
thousands, subdividing into groups of from twenty to sixty, 
one of the largest and strongest birds heading each of these, 
spread out behind him into two diverging lines, each group 
keeping near together. They affect lowland and flat countries, 
resorting in summer to morasses, or any damp and moist 
places, wading about on the insecure ground in search of 
food, which they also seek at times in the neighbouring cul¬ 
tivated lands. It is said, however, that they prognosticate a 
dry season, and in anticipation of such do not resort to 
their accustomed haunts, as if aware that these would no 
longer afford them the necessary protection, owing to their 
dried state. 
In fine weather they may not unfrequently be seen sailing 
overhead, as if enjoying the pastime; sometimes they ascend 
to a great height until no longer visible. They are by 
nature shy birds, and for the most part apparently sedate 
and pensive, but on some occasions addict themselves to 
playing and gambolling about in an odd and curious manner. 
They are very watchful, and sentinels give due notice of 
the propinquity of any danger. Their manners are intelligent, 
their gait majestic, their form being robust and at the same 
time well proportioned: they are striking and noble looking 
birds. They roost on the ground, flying round and round 
first to reconnoitre the position before trusting themselves 
to alight, and this on some open place from whence a good 
look-out can be kept. They seldom perch on trees or 
buildings. 
If leaving her nest the Crane creeps along for a great 
distance in a stooping position, before shewing herself in 
flight, so that, in addition to the difficulty imposed by its 
position, the nest is not easily found. 
Among themselves they are very sociable, and never quarrel 
one with another, or with other kinds. They are easily 
tamed, and soon become attached to those who take care of 
them. They are, however, susceptible of anger, and when 
provoked become dangerous. 
Meyer writes, ‘Brehm relates some interesting particulars 
