188 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS. 



Operated to the destruction of this handsome species, 

 and to the disappointment of the ornithologist. Many- 

 years since the Bittern was not uncommon on the 

 banks of the Thames, but now it is rarely to be seen. 

 One was killed about the year 1855, near Wargrave. 



Bitterns have been shot near Maidenhead, and 

 Mr. R. B. Sharpe wrote me word that there is a male 

 specimen in the collection of Mrs. De Vitre, at 

 Formosa, killed in the immediate neighbourhood 

 by John Wig, about six years ago. I am informed 

 by Mr. Dalziel Mackenzie that a fine specimen of 

 the Bittern was shot at Fawley Court, in Bucking- 

 hamshire, in January, 1864. The Bittern has bred, 

 within the recollection of the Rev. Harpur Crewe, at 

 one of the reservoirs near Tring, but just in the 

 parish of Drayton Beauchamp, Buckinghamshire. 

 He had unfortunately forgotten the precise year. The 

 nest was placed among some reeds on the reservoir, 

 and both nest and eggs were taken by Mr. Williams, 

 of Tring Park, who I believe still has them in his 

 possession. The female bird was killed off the nest, 

 which was a great pity, as the pair would probably 

 have continued to frequent the reservoir the whole 

 year, had they been unmolested. One was procured 

 at Medmenham, during the year 185 1, as Mr. D. 

 Mackenzie was good enough to send me word. 



Bitterns have been killed near Windsor, and I was 

 informed by the Rev. C. Wolley that two specimens 

 were obtained some years ago in a field near New- 



