HERONS, RAILS, ETC. 219 



of their abundant presence is forever over. The dis- 

 graceful persecution to which for some years they 

 have been subjected, and the indifference of the gen- 

 eral public, has caused their numbers to be so greatly 

 lessened that some of the larger species are well-nigh 

 exterminated. What were common birds in their 

 season, half a century ago, are now rarely seen ; and 

 those that were tame, permitting a near approach, are 

 now so exceedingly shy that we can only get the 

 most unsatisfactory glimpses. It is often the case 

 that we must be content with the view of herons 

 " flying over," and never, apparently, settling any- 

 where. 



It was a habit, too, at one time of herons to nest 

 and roost in communities ; these " heronries" being 

 a not unusual feature where there was a growth 

 of heavy timber not far from water. The herons 

 now are wise enough to build singly, and locate their 

 nests in the most secluded places. The struggle for 

 existence has been a violent one and the herons have 

 been worsted. Scarcely a word of protest has been 

 heard, and none that has proved effectual. Heron 

 plumes became fashionable and the birds were 

 doomed. 



This class of birds are, one and all, absolutely 

 harmless and unfit for food, although occasionally 

 some of them are eaten. There is not the slightest ex- 

 cuse for killing them, any more than an excuse could 

 be offered for shooting a swallow. There is no need 

 now for ornithologists to collect additional speci- 

 mens : that plea for collecting is worn threadbare. 

 Their anatomy and habits are thoroughly known, 



