Afril 1, 1869.] 



HARDWICKE'S SCIEN CE-GO S SIP. 



85 



THE HERON. 



(Ardea cinerea.) 



A S we traverse the marsh, with dog and gun, in 

 -*-*- pursuit of snipe, we may almost depend upon 

 seeing a Heron, but seldom indeed can we get near 

 enough to take a good look at him ; his long neck 

 and equally long legs enable him to keep such 

 j, sharp look-out, that on the least approach of 



much tact and exertion to approach a Heron, as to 

 stalk a deer, but should you succeed in getting near 

 him unperceivedly, you will be amply repaid in 

 observing his movements, and may finally bring him 

 to bag, and study him at table with lemon and 

 cayenne. 



We speak from experience. We have made many 

 a successful stalk, and can confidently state that a 

 young Heron, nicely roasted, with the adjuncts 



Eig. 50. The Herox. 



danger, he unfolds his broad wings, and first 

 flapping for some yards along the ground, he rises 

 slowly into the air, and sails away to a safer haunt. 

 But should you detect him at a distance before he 

 sees you, there is a chance of your being able to 

 •stalk him, especially should he happen to be in the 

 bed of a river, or stream. It will often require as 



above named, forms a dish by no means to be 

 despised. . 



On most parts of the coast the Heron may be 

 seen at low-water, fishing in the little pools which 

 have been left by the receding tide : here he finds 

 crabs, shrimps, and other delicacies ; but instead of 

 being sociable, Hkc the gulls, and redshanks, and 



