THE COMMON HERON. 49 



number of nests never increases in any appreciable degree, 

 generally remaining at about thirty-five. It is not now- 

 known how long the Herons have occupied this wood con- 

 jointly with an extensive colony of Eooks. The beeches 

 seem to be about two hundred years old, and it is probable 

 that the Heronry has existed for at least a century. One 

 year the Herons and Eooks had a tough battle. The Eooks 

 apparently wished to take possession of the nests of the 

 former, and fought hard to attain their object. In the end 

 the Herons were able to maintain the status quo ante, and 

 the surplus Eooks betook themselves to other trees in the 

 parks. Only in one season during the memory of persons 

 living have the Herons failed to nest at Mertoun. This was 

 about 1840. In the spring foresters were busily engaged 

 thinning, and the birds betook themselves to the old wood 

 at Blue Houses, near Dryburgh, where they nested and 

 reared their young. They showed their decided partiality 

 for Mertoun by returning next year, where they have ever 

 since remained. In early summer from twenty to thirty of 

 these birds may be seen sunning themselves in the grass 

 enclosure near their nests, forming a spectacle as beautiful 

 as it is perhaps unique in this part of the country. 



From careful and continued observation I have come to 

 the conclusion that in certain cases particular Herons take 

 up and hold without challenge a favourite fishing stream. 

 The right of the individual to his " private water " seems to 

 be fully recognised by other birds of the same species, which 

 I have never seen fishing upon it even in the regular owner's 

 absence, though I have noticed them on the opposite margin, 

 a hundred yards or so lower down. This privilege seems to 

 be conceded to old male birds. In one case, at least, I have 

 been able distinctly to identify the bird which exercised 

 his liberty without challenge. My friend the Eev. Alex- 

 ander Stewart, LL.D., F.S.A., Ballachulish, in one of his 



VOL. II. D 



