HEED]*. 75 



changes that the lapse of ages introduces into the human 

 colony, work a corresponding effect, in an infinite variety of 

 ways, among the natural creation. 



These birds are generally common in Yorkshire and other 

 counties; in Cornwall, near Falmouth, not common. 



In Scotland they are plentiful. In Orkney they remain 

 all the year. There, in winter, they assemble in flocks on 

 the shores, and are generally observed on the lee side of an 

 island. 



Heronries are inhabited from spring to the latter end of 

 summer, and are occasionally returned to by individual birds 

 in the winter months from time to time. They are clung 

 to with great tenacity by their occupants. 



The Heron visits the northern countries of Europe Russia, 

 Siberia, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Feroe Islands, Iceland, 

 and Greenland; and wanders southwards over other parts of 

 the continent, being the most plentiful in Holland. It is 

 found also in northern Africa, and, it is said, at the Cape; 

 likewise in Madeira. In Asia about the Caucasian range, 

 and in India, Japan, and Java. 



Our Herons stay with us throughout the year, and others 

 are indeed compelled hitherward by severe weather: in other 

 continental countries a similar movement southwards is made, 

 such migration being effected as well at a high as at a 

 low elevation. In August, 1849, one was shot at Stoke 

 Newington, near Highbury, Middlesex, close to London, and 

 another was also seen near Highbury, in July, 1851. 



They are shy and solitary birds, and make off at once if 

 approached, when standing in ever so apparently listless a 

 manner by the side of the pool, or the margin of the 

 stream. Clear water is preferred, on account of the better 

 view it affords of their prey. I remember well one fine 

 summer evening, when a boy, seeing one 'light at a bend in 

 a small river, where I thought I could manage to get him 

 within range, and after running home for a gun, and stealing 

 close to the ground till near him, when he at last perceived 

 his danger and rose suddenly to escape it, bringing him 

 down by a shot through the neck. It was a young bird, 

 and the only one, I am glad to say, I ever killed, or, I 

 believe, ever fired at alas! 'tempus fugit.' 



If not cut off, they are said to be long-lived birds. They 

 are formidable if attacked at close quarters, defending them- 

 selves, so to speak, both with tooth and nail. They are 



