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AMERICAN BITTERN, 
ARDEA MINOR, WILs. 
PLATE CCCXXXVII. Mate anp FEmaAtce. 
Ir never was my fortune to have a good opportunity of observing 
all the habits of this very remarkable bird, which in many respects 
differs from most other Herons. It is a winter resident in the Penin- © 
sula of the Floridas, as well as many of the keys or islets which border 
its shores. But the greater number of individuals which pass over the 
United States, on their way northward, in March, come from places 
beyond our southern limits. During my residence in Kentucky, I never 
saw or heard of the occurrence of one of them; and although I have 
killed and assisted in killing a considerable number at various times of 
the year, I never heard their booming or love-notes ; or, if I have, 1 
did not feel assured that the sounds which reached my ears were those 
of the American Bittern. This may probably appear strange, consi- 
dering the many years I have spent in searching our swamps, marshes, 
and woods. Yet true it is that in all my rambles I had not the good 
fortune to come upon one of these birds sitting on its eggs either 
among the grass or rushes, or on the branches of low bushes, where, I 
have been informed, it builds. 
In Lower Louisiana, it is called the “‘ Garde Soleil,” because they 
say it will stand on one foot for hours, with its eyes, or one of them at 
least, fixed on the orb of day, and frequently spread out its wings, in 
the manner of Cormorants and Vultures, to enjoy the heat, or perhaps 
the gentle breeze. There it is seldom obtained in spring, but is a re- 
gular autumnal visitant, appearing early in October, and frequenting 
the marshes both of fresh and salt water, where many remain until the 
beginning of May. It is then common in the markets of New Orleans, 
where it is bought by the poorer classes to make gombo soup. In 
almost every other part of the United States it is commonly called the 
“Indian Pullet,” or “ Indian Hen.” ’ 
Although in a particular place, apparently favourable, some dozens 
of these birds may be found to-day, yet, perhaps, on visiting it to-mor- 
row, you will not find one remaining; and districts resorted to one sea- 
