32 ORNITHOLOGICAL RAMBLES. 



So unconscious is the little animal of danger that 

 it does not attempt to dive or alter its course, 

 but with snout projecting from the surftice, and 

 tail extended, it swims steadily across to where 

 the motionless bird awaits its arrival. The 

 slightest movement would prematurely reveal 

 the presence of the latter, and disappoint him of 

 his prey; but what forbearance does he not ex- 

 hibit! No hasty step is taken in advance to 

 anticipate its arrival ; that snake-like neck is still 

 coiled up, and not a muscle betrays a conscious- 

 ness of the victim's approach. Onward it comes ; 

 ha! it disappears; for a passing breeze has ruffled 

 the plumage of its enemy ; now then, the danger 

 is over, and you feel sure that it has successfully 

 eluded the vigilance of the feathered tiger, and 

 reached its hole in safety; but a sudden splash 

 makes you start, and you are convinced of your 

 mistake when you see the little quadruped writh- 

 ing in the mandibles of the bird, as he flies away 

 to gorge it at his leisure. 



The heron is also partial to frogs and snakes, 

 which he destro3^s in considerable numbers, but I 

 repeat that I have very rarely known him cap- 

 ture a fish of a pound weight. His stock in 

 trade consists of small fry, with the occasional 

 exception of a stout roach or a fresh- water bream, 

 a bony, worthless species, which delights in bask- 



