THE HERON. 



ARDEA CINEREA. 



As we traverse the marsh with dog and gun, in 

 pursuit of Snipe, we may almost depend upon seeing 

 a Heron, but seldom indeed can we get near enough 

 to take a good look at him ; his long neck and 

 equally long legs enable him to keep such a sharp 

 look-out that on the least approach of danger he 

 unfolds his broad wings, and first flapping for some 

 yards along the ground, he rises slowly into the air, 

 and sails away to a safer haunt. But should you 

 detect him at a distance before he sees you, there 

 is a chance of your being able to stalk him, espe- 

 cially should he happen to be in the bed of a river, 

 or stream. It will often require as much tact and 

 exertion to approach a heron as to stalk a deer; 

 but should you succeed in getting near him unper- 

 ceivedly, you will be amply repaid in observing his 



