THE BITTERN. 
131 
the sportsman, and often inflicts rather severe 
wounds with its keen and powerful bill. 
The Bittern usually constructs its nest of 
rushes and withered water-plants, among the 
sedges which clothe the banks of pools. It is 
said, that the hen feeds the young ones for 
three days in the nest, and then leads them 
forth in quest of food. The Bittern is remark- 
able for uttering a very peculiar, coarse, hollow 
note, at certain times, which may be heard at 
a great distance. 
