E HERONRIES OF AMERICA. 



WILSON, THE ORNITHOLOGIST. 



decay of the heron is less perceptible in 



Ameiica He is not so frequently hunted. The solitudes 



JTilM^ jue of ^ aster dimensions. He can still find, among his 



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.m.| sh ^^^•'^^'^ marshes, gloomy and almost impenetrable forests 

 fk^ >^ In these shadowy recesses he is more gregarious : ten or 

 '''' '^ fifteen "domestic exiles" establish themselves in the 

 same locality, or at but a slioit distance from each 

 other. The comi)lete obscurity which the liuge cedars 

 throw over the livid waters re-assures and rejoices them. 

 Towards the summit of these trees they build with sticks a 

 wide platform, which they cover with small branches : this is 

 the residence of the family, and the shelter of their loves; there, 

 the eggs are laid and hatched in quiet, the young are taught to fly, and 

 all those paternal lessons are given whicli will perfect the young fisher. 

 They have little cause to fear the intrusion of man into their peaceful 



