5 JULY 1890, Page 24

SELF-SACRIFICE OF A FEMALE STORK. [To THE EDITOR OF THE

"SPECTATOR.']

Sia,—The animal world abounds in examples of parental affection ; still, the following incident, which I take from a German paper, may interest both your scientific and lay; readers. At Neuendorf, in the Teltow district (Prussia), the lightning struck the gable-end of a barn, where a pair of storka had built their nest for years. The flames soon caught the nest, in which the helpless brood was piteously screaming. The mother-stork now protectingly spread out her wings over the young ones, with whom she was burnt alive, although she miglIt have saved herself easily enough by flight. After a short time, the male stork returned, and flew for hours in despair round the desolate home.—I am, Sir, &e., Ens TRIER/BEI:IND.