AMERICAN BITTERN. 95 



greater number of individuals which pass over the United States, on their 

 way northward, in March, come from places beyond our southern limits. 

 During my residence in Kentucky, I never saw nor heard of the occurrence 

 of one of them; and although I have killed and assisted in killing a consi- 

 derable number at various times of the year, I never heard their booming or 

 love-notes; or, if I have, I did not feel assured that the sounds which reach- 

 ed my ears were those of the American Bittern. This may probably appear 

 strange, considering the many years I have spent in searching our swamps, 

 marshes, and woods. Yet true it is that in all my rambles I had not the good 

 fortune to come upon one of these birds sitting on its eggs, either among the 

 grass or rushes, or on the branches of low bushes, where, I have been in- 

 formed, it builds. 



In Lower Louisiana it is called the "Garde Soleil," because they say it 

 will stand on one foot for hours, with its eyes, or one of them at least, fixed 

 on the orb of day, and frequently spread out its wings, in the manner of Cor- 

 morants and Vultures, to enjoy the heat, or perhaps the gentle breeze. There 

 it is seldom obtained in spring, but is a regular autumnal visitant, appearing 

 early in October, and frequenting the marshes both of fresh and salt water, 

 where many remain until the beginning of May. It is then common in the 

 markets of New Orleans, where it is bought by the poorer classes to make 

 gombo soup. In almost every other part of the United States it is common- 

 ly called the "Indian Pullet," or "Indian Hen." 



Although in a particular place, apparently favourable, some dozens of these 

 birds may be found to-day, yet, perhaps, on visiting it to-morrow, you will 

 not find one remaining; and districts resorted to one season or year, will be 

 found deserted by them the next. That they migrate by night I have always 

 felt assured, but that they are altogether nocturnal is rather uncertain, for in 

 more than half a dozen instances I have surprised them in the act of procur- 

 ing food in the middle of the day when the sun was shining brightly. That 

 they are extremely timid I well know, for on several occasions, when I have 

 suddenly come upon them, they have stood still from mere terror, until I 

 have knocked them down with an oar or a stick. Yet, when wounded, and 

 their courage is raised, they shew great willingness to defend themselves, 

 and if in the presence of a dog, they never fail to spread out to their full 

 extent the feathers of the neck, leaving its hind part bare, ruffle those of 

 their body, extend their wings, and strike violently at their enemy. When 

 seized they scratch furiously, and endeavour to bite, so that, unless great 

 care be taken, they may inflict severe wounds. 



I never saw one of them fly farther than thirty or forty yards at a time; 

 and on such occasions, their movements were so sluggish as to give oppor- 

 tunities of easily shooting them; for they generally rise within a few yards 



