4 PURPLE HERON. 



The eggs are generally three in number, some- 

 times, it is said, four or five, and of a green colour. 

 They vary in shape, some being pointed at both ends, 

 and others only at the lower one. 



Two broods are reared in the season, and both 

 parents assist in the work of providing the young with 

 food: the male also feeds the female while sitting. If 

 alarmed for their young, they soar about aloft over 

 the nests. 



PURPLE HERON. 



CRESTED PURPLE HERON. PURPLE CRESTED HERON. 

 AFRICAN HERON. 



PLATE CLVIII. FIGURE II. 



Ardea purpurta, LINNAEUS. 



Ardca Caspica, PENNANT. MONTAGU. 



Ardea variegala, LATHAM. 



Ardea Bolaurus, GMELIN. 



Ardea sldlaris major, RAY. WILLUGHBY. 



WITH regard to the nidification and eggs of this 

 bird, the following is the account given by Mr. 

 Hewitson, as communicated to him by Mr. Hoy: 

 'The Purple Heron does not begin to breed so early 

 as the Common Heron, the end of May being the time 



