and the Ionian Islands, where, although not very
abundant, it was always to be met with during the two
winters that I passed in those regions.
This species appeared to be very much less wary than
the Common Heron; but although I more than once
obtained specimens by a cautious approach, I never
found that the Great White Heron partook in any
degree of the skulking habits of the Purple Heron and
some other members of the family. In general habits
this bird resembles the Common Heron, frequenting
the open marshes and the margins of rivers and lakes in
quest of food during the day and roosting in high trees.
As 1 have never had the good fortune to see this species
at its breeding-places, I leave the description of its
nesting-habits and eggs to other authors. Adult birds
are said to have black beaks during the breeding-season;
but all those that I handled in the winter had those
instruments of the pale yellow depicted in the Plate,
nor have any of my birds in captivity ever acquired
black beaks, although several have passed two or three
years in my possession. In captivity the Great White
Heron, although a summer migrant to Europe, supports
our usual winter weather very fairly well without any
artificial protection from cold; in temper these birds
resemble other Herons, and are spiteful and unfriendly
inter se as well as with other species. I never noticed
that this Heron erects the dorsal plumes to any extent,
as is the common habit of the Little Egret when in any
way excited.
Here it would seem appropriate to notice the wanton
destruction of this and many kindred species that has
been carried on all the world over for many years past,
for no other purpose than the supply of the dorsal
plumes for the supposed ornamentation of feminine
and military head-gear. In “ the trade ” these feathers
are known as “ Ospreys ” ; and the thoughtless fashion
for them has caused the almost, entire extinction of more
than one species. I am delighted to believe that in this
country at least a very considerable check has been put
upon this atrocious business by the action of the Ladies’
“ Society for the Protection of Birds,” an association
that cannot be too widely made known, or too highly
commended. I would strongly urge all ladies who may
honour me by reading these notes to enrol themselves
as members of this really beneficent Society, whose only
object is the preservation from wanton destruction of
some of the most interesting and beautiful of organized
creatures.
To return to my immediate subject. I was assured
by the person who has chief charge of my living Collections
at Lilford that during the heavy snow-storm of
May 18, 1891, he saw one of my Great White Herons,
standing on the bank of one of our ponds, seize and
devour several of the perishing Swallows and .House-
Martins that incautiously fluttered within reach, in their
vain search for their usual insect-food.