THE BITTERN. 



131 



the sportsman, and often inflicts rather severe 

 wounds with its keen and powerful bill. 



The Bittern usually constructs its nest of 

 rushes and withered water-plants, among the 

 sedges which clothe the banks of pools. It is 

 said, that the hen feeds the young ones for 

 three days in the nest, and then leads them 

 forth in quest of food. The Bittern is remark- 

 able for uttering a very peculiar, coarse, hollow 

 note, at certain times, which may be heard at 

 a great distance. 



