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sessing it, he would have provender for several days ; but after di- 

 vesting it of the legs, neck, and wings, the body is left in a small 

 compass. Its flesh is by many highly esteemed ; and I remember 

 that the first I partook of, I thought, was excellent, while taking 

 gunner's fare in a bayman's lodge, on the beach opposite Bellport. 

 On similar occasions I have also relished the dark-colored flesh of 

 the " Velvet Duck," and have considered that of the " Goosander" 

 a delicacy. I have since eaten of it under different circumstances. 

 Though palatable, there are many other articles of food less prized 

 by some, which I prefer to it or any of our shore birds. Should 

 you wish to procure a Blue Crane, the most convenient distance 

 from the city of New York that I can recommend to you, is South 

 Oyster Bay. There inquire for that experienced bayman and very 

 worthy man, known to all sportsmen who frequent that section of 

 the Island, by the name of John Verity. He will furnish you with 

 a suitable boat and decoys, and accompany you ; and if you visit 

 him at the proper season, I will guarantee that you will return 

 with game, even if you should be unskilled in the art of taking aim 

 — his gun will make amends for all your random shots. 



At night, after the last report of the murderous gun has died 

 away, and the gunner is resting in a glorious state of unconscious- 

 ness, then the Blue Heron, with other nocturnal waders, venture 

 more fearlessly forth from their secluded residence, to satisfy the 

 demands of appetite. On wading to a certain depth, they stand 

 motionless, and with poised bills, silently wait their expected prey. 

 In this position the plumage is parted, exposing a portion of the 

 breast, which is furnished with a downy substance, emitting a 

 phosphorescence. By some persons it is called the bird's lantern, 

 and is said to be as serviceable to it when fishing, as the bayman's 

 light is to him when out at night "jacking" or eeling, by attracting 

 his prey, and showing him where to strike. On such occasions I 

 have never observed it, but so I have been told. At night, I have 

 frequently examined, in dead specimens, this luminous substance, 

 which gives out a pale glow, not unlike that produced by decayed 

 timber, familiarly termed " light wood," or "fox fire." 



