AVES—BITTERN. 633 
bittern. It is impossible for words to give those who have not heard this 
evening call, an adequate idea of its solemnity. It is like the interrupted 
bellowing of a bull, but hollower and louder, and is heard at a mile’s dis- 
tance, as if issuing from some formidable being that resided at the bottom 
of the waters. 
The bird, however, that produces this terrifying sound is not so big as a 
heron, with a weaker bill, and not above four inches long. It differs from 
the heron chiefly in its color, which is, in general, of a palish yellow, spots 
ved and barred with black. Its windpipe is fitted to produce the sound for 
which it is remarkable ; the lower part of it dividing into the lungs, is sups 
plied with a thin loose membrane, that can be filled with a large body of air, 
and exploded at pleasure. These bellowing explosions are chiefly heard 
from the beginning of spring to the end of autumn; and, however awful 
they may seem to us, are the calls to courtship, or connubial felicity. 
This bird, though of the heron kind, is yet neither so destructive, nor so 
voracious. It is a retired, timorous animal, concealing itself in the midst 
of reeds and marshy places, and living upon frogs, insects, and vegetables ; 
and though so nearly resembling the heron in figure, yet differing much in 
manners and appetites. It lays its eggs in a sedgy margin, or amidst a tuft 
of rushes, and composes its simple habitation of sedges, the leaves of water- 
plants, and dry rushes. It lays generally seven or eight eggs of an ash- 
green color, and in three days leads its little ones to their food. The bitterns 
defend their young with such courage, that even the hawk does not often 
venture to attack their nest. 
At the latter end of autumn, however, in the evening, the wonted indo- 
lence of the bittern appears to forsake it. It is seen rising in a spiral ascent 
till it is quite lost from the view, and makes at the same time a singular 
noise, very different from its former boomings. 
The flesh of the bittern is greatly in esteem among the luxurious. For 
this reason, it is as eagerly sought after by the fowler as it is shunned by 
the peasant ; and as it is a heavy rising, slow-winged bird, it does not often 
escape him. Indeed, it seldom rises but when almost trod upon; and seems 
to seek protection aa from concealment than flight. 
When wounded by a sportsman, this bird often makes severe resistance. 
It does not retire; but waits the onset, and gives such vigorous pushes with 
its bill, as to wound the leg through the boot. Sometimes it turns on its 
back, like the rapacious birds, and fights with both its billand claws. When 
surprised by a dog, it is said always to throw itself into this posture and 
defend itself so vigorously, as to compel the assailant to retire. The eyes 
of its antagonist are the object at which it chiefly strikes. 
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