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parts dull yellowish, the feathers with central streaks of dark 

 brown ; feet dull yellowish-green. Length twenty-seven inches, 

 wing ten and a half. 



This species is said to have been the favorite bird of the Indians, 

 and at this day is known to many persons by the name of "In- 

 dian Hen," or " Pullet," though more familiarly by the appella- 

 tion of " Look-up," so called from its habit, when standing on the 

 marshes, of elevating its head, which position, though probably 

 adopted as a precautionary measure, frequently leads to its de- 

 struction. The gunners seem to have a strong prejudice against 

 this unoffending bird, and whenever opportunity offers, seldom 

 allow it to escape. It does not move about much by day, though 

 it is not strictly nocturnal, but is sometimes seen flying low over 

 the meadow, in pursuit of short-tailed or meadow-mice, which I 

 have taken whole from its stomach. It also feeds on fish, frogs, 

 lizards, &c. ; and late in the season, its flesh is in high esteem — 

 but it cannot be procured in any number except when the marshes 

 are overflowed by unusually high tides, when it is hunted much 

 after the manner the gunners adopt when in pursuit of Rail. On 

 ordinary occasions, it is difficult to flush ; the instant it becomes 

 aware that it has attracted the attention of the fowler, it lowers 

 its head and runs quickly through the grass, and when again seen, 

 is usually in a different direction from that taken by its pursuer, 

 whose movements it closely watches ; and when thus pursued, 

 seldom exposes more than the head, leading the gunner over the 

 marsh without giving him an opportunity to accomplish his purpose. 



When wounded, it makes a vigorous resistance, erects the fea- 

 thers on the head and neck, extends its wings, opens its bill, and 

 assumes a fierce expression — will attack the dog, and even its mas- 

 ter, and when defending itself, directs its acute bill at its assailant's 

 eye. It does not usually associate with other Herons, nor does it 

 seem fond of the society of its own species. Singly or in pairs it is 

 distributed over the marshes, but with us it is not abundant. 



