102 BIRDS OF THE HTJMBER DISTRICT. 



but since destroyed by the felling of the trees ; one 

 also at Leake, near Boston (Thompson's ' History of 

 Boston/ p. 676), and one in Muckton Wood, near 

 Louth. It is possible that this last named may still 

 exist ; for on one day during the past autumn several 

 Herons were seen flying backwards and forwards over 

 the wood, as if reconnoitring the old site, with a view 

 to reoccupation." One also at Haverholme Priory, 

 near Sleaford (Hon. M. Finch-Hatton) . Also a 

 single nest on a tree in Nocton Park, near Lincoln, 

 the seat of the Marquis of Ripon. 



In Yorkshire : " One near Boroughbridge (Mr. 

 R. Thompson) ; Walton Hall, upon oak trees (Mr. 

 Waterton) ; Hutton Cranswick, near Beverley (Mr. 

 Bethel) ; and formerly others at Stork Hill (hence 

 the misnomer for the locality) and Scorborough 

 near Beverley ; Swanland Hall near Hull ; and Wea- 

 therby Grange (Mr. Gunter) ; also Eshton Hall 

 (Mr. Wilson), where they nest in larch trees." 



We should in these days, after eating Partridge, 

 Pheasant or Woodcock, take unkindly to the tough 

 and bitter "Heron-sews." The old price for this bird 

 was twelve pence. At the wedding dinner of Gervase 

 Clifton and Mary Neville, A.D. 1530, the following 

 birds and their prices occur: 12 Swans, each 6s.; 

 8 Cranes, each 3s. 4>d. ; 16 Heron-sews, each I2d. ; 

 10 Butters or Bitterns, each 14id. At the same din- 

 ner an ox was 30s., a calf 3s., a lamb Is. 6d. 3 a wether 

 2s. 4d., and chickens Is. 6d. per dozen. 



