ARDEA CIXEREA. (lath.) 



1 HAVE often been surprised bj observing the Heron, at 

 •the time of the breeding season, passing over those parts of 

 the country -which I knevr to be very far distant from any 

 Heronry ; especially when I have noticed its heavy flight 

 and slow progress on its way home. It is wonderful to what 

 long distances they will patiently wing their way in their 

 excursions in search of fish. 



There are but few breeding places of the Heron in this 

 country, and the opportunities of observing them are conse- 

 quently rare. 



Their nests are usually placed in some of the highest trees 

 which the neighbourhood will afford ; they are large, and 

 composed of sticks, lined with a quantity of dry grass, wool, 

 and other soft materials, and contain four or five eggs. 



Nothing can be more ornamental to a gentleman's grounds 

 than these elegant birds, graceful in all their motions. 



One of the delicious islands in the lake of Derwentwater is 

 ^rendered still more enchantingly beautiful by their presence. 



