PURPLE HERON. 
129 
cimen killed in Norfolk, and many others are 
known to have been procured in different parts of 
the southern and eastern counties. It should he 
observed, however, that birds, “ in the flesh,” 
frequently come to the Loudon markets from the 
continent, and may be (to increase their value) 
given out as British-killed specimens. Its most 
abundant country is perhaps Africa, the north and 
eastern coasts ; and we have received it also from 
the Cape of Good Hope. “ Mr. Franklin exhibited 
specimens, at the Zoological Society, that were 
brought by himself from India;”* and Java is 
given as a locality.^ 
Of the habits of the Purple Heron we have no 
detailed account ; to a certain extent it will re- 
semble the others, but there are, without doubt, 
peculiarities belonging to it. Neither do we know 
much of its nidification, whether it is gregarious 
during that season, or breeds singly. Temminck 
states, that the nest is made “ dans les roseaux, ou 
sur les hois en taillis,” very rarely upon trees ; and, 
altogether, the habits approach nearer to those 
of the bitterns than of the typical herons. Writers 
agree in stating, that it is far from being uncom- 
mon in Holland, where it also breeds, and where 
we have seen it nailed up to trees, among crows 
and birds of prey ; — if some details of its economy 
could be procured from thence, they would be in- 
teresting. 
The upper parts, wings, tail, and under tail- 
* Yarrell. i" Horsfidd. 
I 
