396 Ardeidce. 



when the birds leave home for the banks of streams, more 

 especially where there are trout fisheries (as in this case, where 

 the river Colne enters the Thames, or rather Isis, not far from 

 Crouch), they are special objects of persecution at the hands of 

 keepers, and many are destroyed. The consequence is there is 

 this year a great falling off in the number of inhabited nests at 

 Crouch. For all the above particulars I have the authority of 

 the owner. I have since been informed that the number of in- 

 habited nests this year (1887) is probably only between twenty 

 and thirty. 



2. Bowood. Next in order as we proceed from north to south 

 is the well-known old-established Heronry at Bowood, situated on 

 an island in the lake, within sight of the house. This was for 

 many years the only recognised Heronry in North Wilts, and 

 used to contain from forty to sixty nests, but from the same 

 cause as that just mentioned in regard to Crouch Wood, the 

 Herons have been so persecuted and destroyed that but fifteen 

 nests, as I learn from Mr. Herbert Smith, are occupied this year : 

 a sad and rapid falling off indeed, which is very much to be 

 deplored. 



3. Savernake. There is in North Wilts a third small Heronry 

 or little colony, the offshoot or nucleus of a Heronry at Saver- 

 nake. This at present consists of only six nests, as I am 

 informed by my friend Mr. C. Tanner, jun., who kindly took the 

 trouble to count them on my behalf. Until about four years 

 ago, when the high trees thereof were cut down, the Herons 

 occupied a wood called ' Bedwyn Brails,' but when the trees were 

 felled they removed to the pleasure-grounds at Savernake House, 

 and at one time mustered as many as ten or even more nests. 



4. Longleat. We have mentioned a Heronry at the seat of the 

 Marquis of Lansdowne, and another at that of the Marquis of 

 Ailesbury ; it is remarkable that my next instance is at the seat 

 of the Marquis of Bath : so that each of our three noblemen of 

 highest rank in the county has a Heronry attached to his estate. 

 That at Longleat is on an island on the lake at the back of the 

 house, and I have the authority of Lord Bath for saying that it 



