THE HERON *97 



quent the stream of our Brook, and during the 

 summer months one may often be seen hereabout 

 if, as an observer, we are wary in our movements. 

 It requires a very keen-sighted person indeed to 

 catch sight of this noble bird before it sees us. 

 At night I have only seen the Heron rise from 

 the margin of the water ; and what a great size it 

 appeared to be while slowly flapping its great 

 wings soon to be lost sight of in the haze ! 



On a foggy morning I once came upon a Heron 

 standing knee-deep in the water ; it looked like 

 an object carved in stone, so motionless did it 

 stand, with the long neck folded back, and head 

 bent down watching the water. What a fine 

 picture this would have made ! but most of such 

 opportunities usually occur when one's camera is 

 at home. I had a field-glass, however, and thus 

 enjoyed a splendid view of the bird for a few 

 minutes ; but not finding anything to satisfy 

 hunger at that spot it stood up, slowly stretched 

 its wings and legs, and then flew lazily towards 

 me, passing quite close without apparently taking 

 any notice. 



While taking a quiet ramble before breakfast 

 one spring morning, my attention was attracted 

 by a great noise which came from the direction 

 of the stream, the cause of which was presently 



