60 THE RIVER-SIDE NATURALIST. 



action of the wings. From our own observations, it is 

 probable that both wings and tail assist. It is noticeable 

 that when the tail is closed on nearing the ground in the 

 descending flight the drumming almost ceases. Seebohm, 

 however, is inclined to the opinion that it is produced by 

 the vocal organs, and is analogous to the trill of the stints 

 and other sandpipers. 



In Scotland the shepherds say that when the snipe 

 drums the weather will be fine. If the opportunity occurs, 

 look through the binocular and notice what an elegant form 

 this bird has, how its long bill and green-brown legs agree 

 with the beautiful brown, buff, and white plumage of the 

 body ; note its lustrous eye, and, if resting quite close to 

 the earth, how it sits with its bill straight up and the 

 body couched in the grass. 



Drayton records how, in his time, this bird was con- 

 sidered a great delicacy, and calls it the " pallet-pleasing 

 snite," and in France it was considered not only a delicacy, 

 but a means of judging of the excellency of wine 



" Le becasseau est de fort bon manger, 

 Du quel la chair resueille 1'appetet, 

 II est oyseau, passager et petit, 

 Et par son goust fait des vins bien juger." 



THE HERON. 



The HERON (Ardcea Cinerea; family, Ardeid(x)> as he 

 wends his way at eventide to take his supper on some 

 shallow on the river, soon lets you know he has dis- 

 covered your presence by his harsh alarm-note, Krank, 

 krank ! He flies apparently slowly with a long flapping 

 wing, legs stretched out behind, and neck bent back, but 

 he goes along much more rapidly than one supposes. Now 

 and again we come upon him on the river-side in the day- 

 time, and if approached cautiously without disturbing him 

 for he is very wary he is worth looking at through 

 your binocular. Notice how still he stands, his quick 

 yellow eye always on the watch : 



