BITTERN 



41 



The Bittern is the Botaurus stellaris of ornithology, belonging 

 to the Family Ardeida} (Heron), but to a genus fairly separable, 

 more perhaps on account of its almost wholly nocturnal habits and 

 corres})on(lingly-adapted coloration, than on strictly structural 

 grounds, though some differences of proportion are obserA^able. It 

 ' was formerly an abundant bird in many parts of Britain ; but, 

 since the reclamation of the bogs and fens it used to inhabit, it is 

 become only an irregular visitant, — though not a Avinter passes 



BITTEEX. 



without its appearing in some numbers, when its uncommon asjDect, 

 its large size, and beautifully - pencilled plumage cause it to be 

 regarded as a great prize by the lucky gun-bearer to whom it falls 

 a victim. Its value as a delicacy for the table, once so highly 

 esteemed, has long vanished. The old fable of this bird inserting 

 its beak into a reed or plunging it into the ground, and so causing 

 the booming sound Avith which its name will be always associated, 

 is also exploded, and nowadays indeed so few people in Britain 

 have ever heard its loud and aAvful voice, Avhich seems to be 

 uttered only in the breeding-season, and is therefore unknown in a 



