THE HERONRIES OF AMERICA. 
WILSON, THE ORNITHOLOGIST. 
THE decay of the heron is less perceptible in 
America. He is not so frequently hunted. The solitudes 
are of vaster dimensions. He can still find, among his 
beloved marshes, gloomy and almost impenetrable forests. 
In these shadowy recesses he is more gregarious: ten or 
fifteen ‘‘domestic exiles” establish themselves in the 
same locality, or at but a short distance from each 
2 2APUAN 
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other. The complete obscurity which the huge cedars 
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ed throw over the livid waters re-assures and rejoices them. 
Ah Towards the summit of these trees they build with sticks a 
1 wide platform, which they cover with small branches: this is 
) the residence of the family, and the shelter of their loves; there, 
the eggs are laid and hatched in quiet, the young are taught to fly, and 
all those paternal lessons are given which will perfect the young fisher. 
They have little cause to fear the intrusion of man into their peaceful 
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