104



F. D. Welch—Bitterns



chlorodyne in warm water. She evidently got relief from this, as she

slept at intervals between the pain of straining. I was writing at the

time, and my attention was arrested by hearing something drop on

the mat in front of the chair. It was an egg fully formed with shell

complete, but unfortunately broken. She was much relieved after this,

and went on well for three days, when I had to deal with a protrusion

of the passage. I tried several ointments, but only got it right after

applying a ten per cent solution of cocaine, which gave relief to the

pain and enabled me to replace it. I then freely applied a solution of

nitrate of silver, 40 grains to the ounce, all over the inside of the passage.

She has had no trouble since, and is again becoming lively, eating,

whistling, and talking as usual.



BITTERNS


By F. D. Welch, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.


One day when walking towards the tunnel in the Zoological Gardens

I met Bertling (the then head-keeper) carrying three European Bitterns,

which were a few minutes after turned loose in the large aviary near the

Clock Tower. As there were various other birds kept there, such as

Curassows and Ibises of various species, I waited to see if attacks were

made on the new arrivals. It was soon clear that these Bitterns,

although only about three-quarters grown, were more than a match

for the various Curassows, these large, Turkey-like creatures retreating

before the pecks of the new birds. On these and subsequent occasions

when quarrelling with a bird of another genus, the Bittern has always

pecked at once, as soon as it was threatened.


Soon after an adult American Bittern and an adult European

Bittern were put into one of the enclosures which used to stand where

the Sea Lion pond is now, both birds living together on friendly terms.

On one occasion they approached each other when walking round

opposite sides of a small shrub which was growing near the centre of

the enclostire, and almost collided. Remembering how Bitterns had

attacked other birds with vigorous pecks from their sharp beaks,

I expected to see these two at once begin fighting, as both were in good

health and condition. But to my great surprise both Bitterns



