THE HOME LIFE OF THE HERON 121 



revelation ; so gradually, so almost imperceptibly does it subside, that it is 

 only by watching its position in relation to some twig which is really stationary 

 that one realizes the fact that it is moving at all. 



But how exceedingly uncomfortable the seat is becoming ! A change of 

 position is clearly indicated— and that without delay ; already one foot has 

 ' gone to sleep,' whilst the other, owing to its being wedged into a fork of the 

 tree, has developed a species of cramp. So by stealthily clutching an overhead 

 branch the body is gently raised a few inches forward, and lowered again with 

 as little to do as possible. What a relief ! But a good idea would surely be 

 to make a cushion of a sack which is hanging from a branch supporting the roof 

 of the observation post, and seems to be serving no useful purpose in its 

 present position. 



So the sack is quietly taken down, folded into the semblance of a cushion, 

 and placed upon the ' seat branch ' ; the body in turn is again raised and lowered, 

 this time on to the yielding sack. 



This of covu-se is much more comfortable' — a splendid idea — and being a 

 little higher one can look with less inconvenience through the various peep- 

 holes. Particularly well can the nest on the left — that containing the half- 

 grown young ones. — be seen. 



These youngsters are the most extraordinary little creatures. A good 

 deal of the ' down of youth ' (if the yellowish feathery effect may be called 

 ' down ') is still adhering to their bodies — and that, combined with their growing 

 feathers, which seem to be pushing through at most awkward angles, gives 

 them a shaggy, unkempt appearance, which borders on the ridiculous. 



This unsophisticated family, not yet having reached the age when fear 

 of apparent enemies induces them to crouch, or disgorge food, lead a happy 

 care-free life, and at the moment seem to be wondering what to do next. One 

 of them gazes for some time into his brother's motionless face, and then pecks 

 thoughtfully at the yellow eye. This act of friendship seems to be misunder- 

 stood, for a squabble ensues — ^the two of them sinking into a sitting position, 

 and pecking wildly in the direction of each other's faces. 



First one, as it were ' throwing ' his head at the other, leads off : the blow 

 misses its mark by several inclies, and the opponent seizing his opportunity, 

 retaliates in the same manner. He too fails to score a hit, and the first, having 

 in the meantime assumed the correct attitude of aggression, once more tries 

 his luck — again without success. 



Soon they are at it hammer and tongs, squawking and squealing in the 

 heat of battle. Really they look very much more like two figures fighting in a 

 Punch and Judy show than two junior members of a most dignified race of 

 birds. One wonders how they would settle the difference if their parent should 

 unexpectedly return to feed them ! 



But no mature bird— with the exception of the one sitting on the right — 



Q 



