Concord, Mass.
1910.
April 18
(No 4)
[April 18, 1910]

Bitterns

observations and impressions by those of Purdie &
Gilbert, both of whom were with me the whole
time and paying equally critical attention to the
matter. At first we differed with respect to certain
minor details but all the differences of opinion
were finally harmonised and what I am about
to say is now subscribed to by all three of us.
  The white first appears at or very near the shoulders
of the folded wings and then expands, sometimes
rather quickly (never abruptly, however) but oftenest
very slowly until, spreading simultaneously from
both sides, it forms two ruffs fully equal
in length and breadth (apparently) to the hands
of a large man but in shape more nearly like
the wings of a Grouse or Quail. Their tips
point sometimes nearly straight exposed, sometimes