BIRDS. 297 
This bird is about four feet long from the tip of the bill 
to the end of the claws ; to the end of the tail about 
thirty-eight inches; the breadth, when the wings are ex- 
tended, is about five feet. The male is particularly dis- 
tinguished by a crest or tuft of black feathers hanging 
from the hinder part of his head. This tuft or crest, in 
chivalrous times, was of great value, and held as a pecu- 
liar mark of distinction when worn above the plume of 
ostrich feathers. The back is clothed with down instead 
of feathers. 
Virgil places the Heron among the birds that are 
affected by and foretell the approaching storm : 
"When watchful Herons leave their watery stand, 
And mounting upwards with erected flight, 
Gain on the skies, and soar above the sight. 
DRYDEN. 
The Heron, though living chiefly in the vicinity of 
marshes and lakes, forms its nest on the tops of the loftiest 
trees, or on the pointed cliffs of the sea-shore. It resem- 
bles the rook in its habits ; a great number of Herons 
living together in what is called a Heronry, as rooks do 
in a rookery. The female lays four large eggs, of a pale 
green colour ; and the natural length of this bird's life is 
said to exceed sixty years. 
In England, Herons were formerly ranked among the 
royal game, and protected as such by the laws ; and when 
falconry was in fashion, the pursuit of the Heron was a 
favourite amusement. 
Now like a wearied stag, 
That stands at bay, the Hern provokes their rage ; 
Close by his languid wing, in downy plumes 
Covers his fatal beak, and cautious hides 
The well dissembled fraud. The falcon darts 
Like lightning from above, and in her breast 
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