228 



THE SWAN AND HER CREW. 



Presently the company moved forwards, as a speck on the 

 distant horizon told of the probable approach of their quarry. 

 As it came nearer it proved to be a heron, and its flight was 

 directed straight towards them, and at no great distance from 

 the ground. When the advancing bird came within one 

 hundred yards of the group, it seemed to think there might be 



COMMON HERON. 



some danger awaiting it, and it swerved aside continuing its 

 course so as to pass them on one side. Two of the hawks 

 were unhooded, and the noble birds, catching sight of their 

 quarry, launched into the air in pursuit of it. When the 

 heron saw the hawks it uttered a cry, and immediately rose 

 in the air and soared to a great height. The meaning of this 



