THE LOOK 77 



recalling to my mind scenes from Dante. After I had passed 

 through the reeds and lilies I was obliged to traverse some 

 three or four hundred yards of open water in full view of the 

 Herons to reach a line of rushes which ran near where the 

 birds were feeding. This proved fatal to the success of my ef- 

 forts as some Least Bitterns (A. exilis) and Green Herons flew 

 up and over them and gave the alarm, whereat the Herons gave 

 one look and were gone. Despairing of them I turned my at- 

 tention to the Least Bitterns but they were not to be found. — 

 Nothing remained for me to do but to get out by the shortest 

 route, which was to continue on to the opposite side. On the 

 way two or three Least Bitterns arose from the reeds, but I did 

 not shoot as it would have entailed a walk of thirty or forty 

 yards out of my way. From the other side I skirted around 

 the edge back to the place at which I had entered. 



Here we rested awhile, and as it was getting late Ave set out 

 for the depot, shooting some Kingfishers on the way. From 

 here the train soon landed us at home. 



Since the above occurred I have had more experience and 

 have been more successful in the pursuit of Herons, as the col- 

 lection will testify. Wishing my new acquaintance, The 

 Loon, the success it deserves, I remain, etc., H. F. A. 



