CHAP, vii.] MONEY VALUE. 331 



In the fen districts of Cambridgeshire a harmonious 

 couplet expresses a high estimation of the ancient 

 marketable value of the Bittern : 



" Be she lean, or be she fat, 

 She bears twelve pence upon her back." 



But the progress of Epicurean taste has not kept 

 pace with the diminished value of money. In March 

 1849, on going to the person with whom I usually deal 

 in Norwich fish-market, I saw a Bittern hanging at a 

 shop a few doors off. I sent to inquire the price, was 

 asked Is. 6d., and bought it, as it was fresh and in good 

 condition. The seller afterwards informed me that it 

 had been shot at Ludham. He was astonished when 

 told that the bird was good to eat, and I doubt whether 

 he will again sell a Bittern for eighteen pence, without 

 first trying one for his own supper, as a cheap experi- 

 ment, in default of a more profitable customer. The 

 specimen, however, had hung unpurchased throughout 

 the previous market day, Saturday. On bringing 

 home my game, it proved to be a young male, in tole- 

 rably perfect plumage. Its weight was 3 Ibs. 6| oz. The 

 stomach was empty. The feet and claws were remark- 

 able, and must be formidable weapons when the wounded 

 creature lies kicking on its back. 



For an original account of the Bittern in confinement, 

 and what may be expected of him as an Aviary bird, 

 I am indebted to the kindness of Charles Jecks, Esq., 

 of Thorpe, near Norwich. 



" Our Bittern was brought to us by a wherryman, 

 about six years ago, in an unfledged state, having been 

 picked up in one of the marshes by the river near 

 Yarmouth. When I received it, it was exceedingly shy, 



