THE ARTISTS BIRDS. 205 



the Curlew (Numenius arquata), the Godwit 

 (Limosa nifa), and the Phalarope (Fhalaropus 

 hyperboreus) being especially beautiful and chaste. 

 Pass now to the graceful Herons. The Common 

 Heron (Ardea cinerea) requires no introduction 

 to the painter; it is a bird eminently suitable for 

 river scenery. Then we have the Great White 

 Heron (Ardea alba), the Little Egret (Ardea 

 garzetta), the Squacco Heron (Ardea comata), the 

 Bittern (Botaurus stellar is), and the Crane (Grus 

 cinerea), all lending themselves admirably to the 

 artist's purpose, and forming fitting ornaments to 

 the several scenes they frequent. In addition to 

 the Waterhen (Gallinula chloropus) and the Coot 

 (Fulica atra), must be mentioned the Corn Crake 

 (Crex pratensis), the Spotted Crake (Crex porzana], 

 and the Water Rail (Rallas aquaticus), species 

 either found in the grass meadows, or on broads 

 and reed-fringed pools. Many species of Ducks 

 also claim attention from the landscape painter 

 the Wigeon (Anas penelope], the Teal (Anas 

 crecca), the Shoveller (Anas clypeata), and the 

 Tufted Duck (Fuligula cristata), all being inhabit- 

 ants of inland waters during the greater part of the 

 year. Let us see no more flocks of Wild Duck in 

 summer. A party of these birds rising from 



