U(;ar tlie WiiliM'. riir c.njis vnrv ui inuiinci' iiu.n imrr 

 to five; tliey ;irc liy;ia blue in color, :uul ;iht)Ul the size 

 of those of oui- conuiioii domestic fowl. 



DANOKKOUS WHEN WOUNDKD. 



This bird, and the same is true of oiher Herons, 

 when wounded aud unable to escape, is one which ciui- 

 aot be handled with too much caution, as it fi-equently, 

 with its sharp aud powerful bill, inflicts severe, dau- 

 jicniiis, aud somelimes even fatal wounds. In J''l<uida 

 I iiK ( a hiinler wlio had an eye destroyed by ou(! of 

 fhes,' birds wliicli he had winged aud carelessly at- 

 lenii.led lo pick up. 



ITS FLESH IS QUITE PALATABLE. 



By some, particularly residents of certain of the 

 southern states, the flesh of the Great Blue Heron is 

 considered quite a delicious morsel. Some few win- 

 ters ago, when camping iu the cypress swamps of Flor- 

 ida, 1, more from necessity than choice, eat Ihe breast 

 meat of this bird and also that of the Water Turkey 

 (Anhinga anhingaj, which incys exclnsi\-ely on lish. and 

 although I did ih>1 esperially 

 adniil dial (o a linn-n man il 

 able. 



WHAT XUTTALL SAYS 



The following intei-estiug (t.l: 

 habits aie given by Nuitall: 



■■Fish is tlie principal food of the Great Blue Heron, and for 

 this purpose, like an experienced angler, he often waits for 

 that condition 'of the tide which best suits his experience and 

 instinct. At such times they are seen slowly sailing- out from 

 their inland breedins haunts, during- the most silent and cool 



