The Common Heron. 355 
of great value, and held as a peculiar mark of distinc- 
tion when worn above the plume of ostrich 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 upward 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. It resembles 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 fe- 
male lays four large eggs, of a pale green colour; the 
natural term 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 the 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 
Eeceives the latent death : down plumb she falls, 
Bounding from earth, and with her trickling gore 
Defiles her gaudy plumage. See, alas ! 
The falconer in despair, his favourite bird 
Dead at his feet : as of his dearest friend, 
He weeps her fate ; he meditates revenge, 
He storms, he foams, he gives a loose to rage ; 
Nor wants he long the means ; the Hern fatigued, 
Borne down by numbers, yields, and prone on earth 
He drops ; his cruel iocs wheeling around 
Insult at will." Somerville. 
It is extremely dangerous to go near a wounded 
Heron, and the utmost caution is necessary in doing so. 
Though apparently almost dead, he will yet dart at his 
enemy's face, and sometimes inflict a most severe wound. 
