BITTERN. 183 



as my young readers will be able to understand them 

 better, after they have received a few lessons in shooting 

 from a punt. The following alphabet, therefore, is 

 chiefly intended as a directory for the more common 

 mode of shooting. 



In getting at all wild birds, approach them cir- 

 cuitously, instead of going directly up to them; and 

 avoid looking full at them until you have got within 

 shot, or till they shall, if flying, have come sufficiently 

 close for you to fire. If you see a wild bird, when 

 unprepared for him, either continue your course with- 

 out looking at him, or instantly retreat, and he may 

 then probably sit quiet till you can advance with caution 

 on him a second time. 



If a valuable bird lies wounded, always go up to 

 him prepared to shoot, lest he should rise again, and 

 make his escape. 



BITTERNS. 



To know if there are any in the fens, send out in the 

 evening, when they may be seen on the wing, and heard 

 making a hollow booming noise. The following day 

 you may beat for them, with dogs, that will either point 

 them, or hunt near enough to spring them in shot ; as 

 they will lie so close among the rushes, as to be some- 

 times nearly trod on before they will rise. If you wing 

 a bittern, be careful that he does not strike you with 

 his beak. 



There are two sorts of bittern ; the COMMON one, otherwise called 

 Bogbumper, Bitterbum, or Miredrum (ardea stellaris le butor); 

 and the LITTLE BITTERN (ardea minuta le blongios). 



