Music of the Wild 



convince any one of its nntriith ^\ould be to dis- 

 sect a bird and find tbe peculiar membrane in his 

 windpipe that enables him to furnish tliis distinct- 

 ive and most interesting marsh music. Xo doubt 

 the organ would somewhat resemlde the same for- 

 mation at the base of the Avindpipe of a drake. 



The bittern is a fine, dignified specimen. He 

 likes to have Jiis beak and feet clean, and mani- 

 fests his pride in his l)eautiful plumage by con- 

 stantly dressing and keeping it immaculate. Com- 

 pared 'svith his cousin, shiel])oke, he differs as the 

 prince from the fishmonger. Xo slashing and 

 splashing in marsh muck and dirty w ater for him. 

 He selects a clear, clean spot haAing a slight cur- 

 rent and, standing immovable, watches the bottom 

 until he sees signs of a Avorm; and then, A^'ith a 

 quick, neat nip he has it. He is in every Avay a 

 self-res])ecting bird. He moves Avith fine poise 

 and dignity, and in flight he is strong and grace- 

 ful. His A'ocalizing is almost as surprising as that 

 of the loon, but quite different. 



The loon is a diA'er, and a relatiA'e of the grebe. 



As a rule loons are of the lakes and marshes of the 



The far X^orth, Avhere their cries are considered dread- 



Laughter £^j| |-,^, ncrvous people. In earh" spring, near nest- 



ef the Loon . ; , . \. . . ' ' . "^ . „ 



mg-tmie, then- A^ocahzation is starthng, especially 

 in a first ex])erience. The morning call rolling 

 across the Avater is not so unpleasant; some eminent 

 authorities confess a sneaking fondness for it. as 



414 



