Jl(5 NATURALIST'S CABINET. 



Esteemed by the French as a delicacy. 



indolence of their nature, however, is not less 

 seen in their nestling than in their habits of de- 

 predation. Nothing is more, certain than that they 

 will not be at the trouble of building a nest when 

 they can get one made by the rook, or deserted 

 by the owl, already provided for them. This 

 they usually enlarge and line within, driving off 

 the original possessors should they happen to re- 

 new their claims. 



These birds, if taken young, may be tamed ; 

 but when the old ones are captured, they soon 

 pine away, refusing every kind of nourish- 

 ment. 



The French avail themselves of the indolence 

 of this bird, and provide a place with materials 

 fitted for their nestlings, which they call heron- 

 ries. The heron, though considered by the 

 English as unfit for the table, is sought for in 

 France, where the flesh of the young ones is in 

 particular estimation. It is therefore for the 

 purpose of procuring them with more ease, that 

 they raise up high sheds along some fishy stream; 

 and furnishing them with materials, the herons 

 nestle, build, and breed there in great abun- 

 dance. As soon as the young ones are supposed 

 lo be fit, the owner of the heronry takes, and 

 carries off such as are proper for eating ; and 

 these are sold for a very good price to the neigh- 

 bouring gentry. " These are a delicacy which, 

 (M. Buffo n says) the French are very fond of, 

 but which strangers have not yet been taught to 





