EGGS: 



The complement of eggs is usually four; sometimes but two or three. The color of the shell is 

 light bluish-green. The shade is very constant. Often they have large patches of chalky-white upon them, 

 made by the excrement of the bird. The longest egg in nine sets measures 1.66; the shortest, 1.46; the 

 broadest, 1.20; the narrowest, 1.08 inches. The average is 1.52 x 1.13. Ordinarily, there is but little 

 difference in the shape of the two ends. As with most eggs, the longest specimens are usually the 

 narrowest. The egg which is 1.65 in length measures but 1.09 in breadth, while the broadest specimens 

 frequently are those of the least long-diameter. 



DIFFERENTIAL POINTS: 



See Nyctiardea grisea var. npevia. 



REMAEKS : 



The nest illustrated was taken May 19, 1880, from the limb of a wild cherry-tree. It contained four 

 fresh eggs. The structure, in comparison with some, is neat and small, but pretty fairly represents an 

 average nest. The eggs show the color and common sizes. This species often builds in colonies, like 

 some of the other Herons, but this is not always the case. In fact, it is a very common occurence for 

 a pair to make their summer home in some secluded little nook, apart from any of their near relatives. 



In 1879, a pure albino was reared in an old apple-tree, which stands on the bank of a small pond. 

 After he became large enough to take care of himself, he left his birth-place, and took up his abode at 

 the mouth of a creek, about three miles from the place in which he was hatched. Here he remained a 

 number of weeks, the admiration of all passers by ; but his beauty and purity caused his early death. 



One of the most interesting sights 1 have ever seen in bird-life, Avas a Green ITeron catching min- 

 nows. ITe had taken a position upon a small log which was lying half immersed in a little stream. 

 The current had washed a pocket under the log so that it formed a resort for chubs, silversides, and 

 suckers. When I hrst saw him, he was stretched out flat upon the log, with his neck drawn up, and 

 bill resting close to the surface of the water. While I stood wondering at his queer position, he sud- 

 denly darted his head into the water and withdrew a minnow in his beak. This he swallowed and im- 

 mediately renewed his position as before. I watched with admiration the skill and patience displayed 

 by the little tisherman. Nearly every dip he brought up a fish, though obliged to wait ten to fifteen 

 minutes in the concealed position before one would come Avithin his reach. Every day this bird returned 

 to his fishing place, until all the minnows in the pocket were either captured or became too wary for 



the tricks of their enemy. 



106 



