ON THE SHORE 367 



derstand the value of protection of color. The Bittern 

 and the old reeds blended their colors together, and by 

 stretching up its neck the bird adapted his shape as 

 much as possible to the straight, stiff lines of the reeds, 

 while by keeping his front parts toward you, the curves 

 of his back were concealed. ' You might have passed 

 his hiding-place a hundred times without seeing him. 

 But come — let us leave this Heron hotel, and find a 

 way to the lane road." 



The open air seemed doubly sweet and fresh, after 

 the fishy smell of the Heronry. Dodo stopped under 

 the first shade tree, and begged for her tables. 



The Black-cro-wrned Night Heron 



(The Night Watchman) 



Length about two feet. 



Upper parts glossy greenish black in i'loiit, but ashy-gray behind 

 and on the neck, wings, and tail ; the forehead white, and two slen- 

 der white plumes sticking out six or eight inches behind the head. 



Under parts whitish, including the long throat or front of the 

 whole neck. 



Bill black, with greenish bare skin between it and the red eyes; 

 legs yellow. 



Sexes alike, but young very different, being grayish-brown above 

 with many white or buff spots, and white below with black streaks. 



A Summer Citizen of North America, useful in keeping down 

 frogs and small reptiles, but too untidy to be a pleasant neighbor. 



A member of the guild of Wise Watchers. 



The American Bittern 



(The Stake-driver or Thunder-pumper) 



Length from twenty-three to thirty-four inches, which is a very 

 unusual difference in birds of the same species. 



