THE HERONRIES OF AMERICA 



WILSON, THE ORNITHOLOGIST. 



THE decay of the heron is less perceptible in 

 # America. He is not so frequently hunted. The solitudes 

 are of vaster dimensions. He can still find, among his 

 beloved marshes, gloomy and almost impenetrable forests. 

 In these shadowy recesses he is more gregarious : ten or 

 fifteen " domestic exiles " establish themselves in the 

 same locality, or at but a short distance from each 

 other. The complete obscurity which the huge cedars 

 throw over the livid waters re-assures and rejoices them. 

 Towards the summit of these trees they build with sticks a 

 wide platform, which they cover with small branches : this is 

 the residence of the family, and the shelter of their loves; there, 

 the eggs are laid and hatched in quiet, the young are taught to fly, and 

 all those paternal lessons are given which will perfect the young fisher. 

 They have little cause to fear the intrusion of man into their peaceful 



