GREAT BUSTARD.— Ofe tarda. 



THE GRALL^ 



BUSTARDS, PLOVERS, CRANES. HERONS, ETC. 



LTIIOliGII the progress of civilization has conferred many benefits on Europe, it 

 has deprived it of many of its aboriginal inhalntants, whether fnrred or feathered, 

 the Grp:at Bustard being in the latter category. 



This splendid bird, although in former days qiiite a usual tenant of plains and 

 commons, and having been an ordinaiy- object of chase on Newmarket Heath, is 

 noAv so very rare, that only an occasional specimen makes its appearance at very 

 I'are intervals, and is then generally found — and shot- — on Salisbury Plain. In 

 the countries whicli it still inhabits, it is a most wary bird, and very diflicult of approach, 

 being generally shot with riHes after a careful and lengthened chase that rivals deer-stalking 

 in the watclifulness and ])erseverance that are requisite before the sportsmen can get within 

 shot. They are carried in carts, covered with ordinary farm produce, and having an aperture 

 through which they can aim ; they put on various disguises; they enact the part of agricul- 



