AUGUST. 



275 



F. It is the Indian Hen, or American Bittern (Ardea 

 Minor}. It looks very small ; but when its wings are ex- 

 tended, it measures nearly three feet and a half from tip to 

 tip, and three feet from the bill to the toes : it is, however, of 

 a slender form ; the neck and legs being long, but the body 

 small. The head is remarkably flattened, and gives the 

 bird a very singular appearance : the feathers of the neck 

 are long and loose, and capable of being erected : the general 

 colour is dark brown, spotted with yellow, on the back ; and 

 yellowish, spotted with brown, on the belly. As you see it 



INDIA HEN. 



(Ardea Minor. ) 



