CATCHING HERONS. 255 



where the herons used in search of the little trout. 

 In the maw of one heron so caught were seven small 

 trout, a thrush, and a mouse. I once killed a heron 

 with a huge water-rat in his belly, which effectually 

 prevented my dressing them again at table, though 

 the heron in former days was considered a princely 

 delicacy. 



It is altogether useless now to frequent Christ- 

 church or even Poole harbours in winter for fowl, as 

 there are so many gunners that the birds are either 

 scared by popguns, or blazed at by great swivel or 

 shoulder guns and completely driven away. 



