A GREAT BTRD-FIOnr. 209 



young heron is seized, so surely does it dis- 

 gorge — an eel, a toad, or even a water-vole. 



Herons are as omnivorous as mankind itself, 

 and take various small animals when opportunity 

 offers. They are also endowed with wonderful 

 powers of assimilation and digestion. On the 

 whole, the Heron is among the most interesting 

 of birds ; and concerning it there is yet much 

 scope for original investigation. It is a poacher 

 of no mean merit ; and we have seen spawning- 

 streams covered in to limit its depredations. 

 Its destruction of coarse fish and noxious water- 

 larvae is great in comparison with any trout-fry 

 it may destroy. Its good qualities far outweigh 

 its bad ones, and it is a bird to be protected and 

 encouraged. 



