The Common Heron. 355 



of great value, and held as a peculiar mark of distinc- 

 tion when worn above the plume of ostrich feathers. 



Virgil places the Heron among the birds that are 

 affected by and foretell the approaching storm : 



" When watchful Herons leave their watery stand, 

 And mounting upward with erected flight, 

 Gam on the skies, and soar above the sight." 



DBYDEN. 



The Heron, though living chiefly in the vicinity of 

 marshes and lakes, forms its nest on the tops of the 

 loftiest trees. It resembles the rook in its habits : a 

 great number of Herons living together in what is 

 called a Heronry, as rooks do in a rookery. The fe- 

 male lays four large eggs, of a pale green colour ; the 

 natural term of this bird's life is said to exceed sixty 

 years. 



In England, Herons were formerly ranked among the 

 royal game, and protected as such by the laws ; and 

 when falconry was in fashion, the pursuit of the Heron 

 was a favourite amusement. 



" Now, like the wearied stag, 



That stands at bay, the Hern provokes their rage ; 



Close by his languid wing in downy plumes 



Covers his fatal beak, and cautious hides 



The well-dissembled fraud. The falcon darts 



Like lightning from above, and in her breast 



Receives the latent death : down plumb she falls, 



Bounding from earth, and with her trickling gore 



Defiles her gaudy plumage. See, alas ! 



The falconer in despair, his favourite bird 



Dead at his feet : as of his dearest friend, 



He weeps her fate ; he meditates revenge, 



He storms, he foams, he gives a loose to rage ; 



Nor wants he long the means ; the Hern fatigued, 



Borne down by numbers, yields, and prone on earth 



He drops ; his cruel foes wheeling wound 



Insult at will." SOMERVILLE. 



It is extremely dangerous to go near a wounded 

 Heron, and the utmost caution is necessary in doing so. 

 Though apparently almost dead, he will yet dart at his 

 enemy's face, and sometimes inflict a most severe wound. 



