76 HEEOtf. 



always objects of interest, and comport well with the retired 

 unfrequented scenes to which, and to which only, they seem 

 naturally to belong. There you may see the Heronshaw for 

 hours standing on one leg, on the ground or a branch of a 

 tree, the neck retracted and the bill resting on the breast, 

 'chewing the cud of sweet or bitter reflection,' according as 

 he has been comparatively satisfied, or is waiting for a 

 further supply of food. One might almost fancy that he 

 was musing in pensive melancholy over the altered times 

 which have changed protection and proscription, and fore- 

 shadow, to look on the dark ^side of things, the future 

 extirpation of the English branch of his race. Royal game 

 in the days of falconry, and prized also for the table, now- 

 a-days he is the object of all but universal hostility, and 

 his conspicuous appearance marks him out as a victim. But 

 the 'silent system' chiefly during the day-time, interrupted 

 only by some occasional flights, the consequence oftentimes 

 of being disturbed, for as soon as the lowering twilight 

 begins to give notice of returning night, then listlessness is 

 exchanged for excitement, and inactivity for movement the 

 bird walks about in an unsettled manner, and stretches his 

 wings preparatory to making use of them to convey him to 

 his fishing-ground. 



Seen for the most part at other times of the year in the 

 singular or the dual number, these birds become gregarious 

 in the building-season. An island in a lake is then a 

 favourite resort, but some leave it for the adjoining inland. 

 They are indeed to be observed together in greater or less 

 numbers at other times, perhaps in groups of from a dozen 

 to thirty, but this, I fancy, more from a community of 

 purpose, than from an instinctive desire to congregate. They 

 appear, as before said, to select the lee or sheltered side of 

 any island or cliff when engaged in fishing. Several battles 

 take place sometimes between them and the Rooks, for the 

 possession of the same trees, but the Herons, as might be 

 supposed, are too powerful for their opponents. At other 

 times, as if in revenge for this injury, Rooks may frequently 

 be seen chasing and dashing at them in the air, following 

 them for a long way, and buffeting them at every opportunity. 

 Meyer says 'It is remarkable how alarmed Herons are during 

 storms of thunder and lightning, starting at every flash, and 

 tumbling about as if broken-winged. During rainy weather 

 these birds appear very dejected, and sit in the most drooping 



