168 
NATURAL RIrfTORY 
BITTERN. 
This bird, though of the heron kind, is 
neither so destructive nor so voracious. It 
is a timid creature, concealing itself in the 
midst of reeds and marshy places, and living 
upon frogs, insects, ana vegetables ; ana 
though not unlike the heron in figure, yet it 
is of very different manners and appetites. 
The flesh of the Bittern is in great esteem 
among the luxurious. For this reason, it is 
eagerly sought after by the fowler; and as 
it is a slow- winged bird, it does not often 
escape him. Indeed, it seldom rises but 
when almost trod upon ; and seems to seek 
protection from concealment rather than 
flight. It makes its nest in a sedgy margin, 
where it lays seven or eight eggs, of an ash 
green colour, and in three days leads its 
little ones to their food. 
