QUOK. 345 



repeated with deliberation, while the sudden flap- 

 ping of large wings told that the bird, not less 

 startled, was seeking a station less liable to inter- 

 ruption, farther within the morass. In floating 

 down such broad streams as Burnt Savanna, or 

 Black River, where they are margined by tall over- 

 hanging mangrove-woods, we often see this bird, 

 seated on some high branch, which commands a 

 wide prospect; but no sooner is the canoe espied, 

 than he spreads his immense wings, and sails heavily 

 off with the customary vociferation. Vigilant and 

 suspicious, it is not an easy thing to shoot the 

 Quok, unless the sportsman see it first, and conceal 

 himself before he is discovered, or cautiously creep 

 towards the secluded retreat where he hears the 

 voice. But this is almost a forlorn hope; for the 

 senses of the bird are very acute, and he takes 

 alarm from the slight sounds made by the most 

 circumspect footsteps, and escapes in time. Any 

 unusual noise will provoke the utterance of the 

 unmusical voice ; a shout, or the report of a distant 

 gun, will be answered from several parts of the 

 morass ; and not only by this species, but in various 

 tones by other Herons and Bitterns. 



It is a noble bird ; its commanding height, erect 

 attitude, stout built frame, fiery eye, powerful beak, 

 hanging crest, and handsome plumage, give it an 

 imposing aspect. Crabs and other Crustacea form 

 its principal diet ; evidently swallowed entire, though 

 often of considerable size. The flesh is dark ; the 

 fat, which is usually abundant, is of a deep yellow 

 tinge. Notwithstanding the powerful voice of this 



Q 5 



