THE GREAT WHITE HERON. 
797 
in comparison with those of the White Heron. The 
Hungarian is right, when he looks upon his plume of 
Egret’s feathers as the most elegant part of his 
magnificent dress. 
The successful pursuit of the Egret out of the breeding 
season is somewhat difficult, on account of the excessive 
wariness of the bird, which renders many of the hunter’s 
stratagems abortive. In the breeding season, however, 
this amusement is much sought after by Sunday gunners, 
•—a piece of cockneyism much to he regretted. The so- 
called sportsman stands under the trees and awaits the 
arrival of the parent birds with food for their young: 
come they must , poor things ; and when they do it requires 
no feat of legerdemain to accomplish their destruction. 
Just like schoolboys, these individuals knock over the 
magnificent birds, not for any useful purpose, but simply 
that they may be able to boast that they have shot an 
Egret, and thereby accomplished an act worthy of record. 
Years ago, when the art of Falconry was in vogue, it 
was different. In those days it was a grand and manly 
sport to go out with Falcon on wrist, see the exultant 
bird rise high in the blue heavens, and select for 
itself the noble quarry. Eager for prey, the princely 
bird would circle above the scarce less royal Heron, 
striking courageously at its adversary when opportunity 
offered. The rogue, however, was often well able to meet 
his pursuer, defending himself bravely with his sharp- 
pointed beak, and cleverly evading the attacks of his now 
embittered assailant. At last the Heron yields to the 
Falcon. Hashing down like a flash of lightning the 
Hawk strikes : a cloud of white feathers from the neck of 
the victim float in the air; a hoarse cry is rung from the 
terrified bird, mingling with the shrill scream of the 
