HERON AND ROOKS.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.'] 'Sin,—Between the Boyne and the Nanny River lies a certain wood, where the rooks have lived undisturbed and nnshot for many generations. We have unrivalled opportunities for studying their domestic habits, and I am able to say that it is a fixed principle with them on no account to allow a heron to alight on what they have been always brought up to believe is their property. Herons often fly across country from the Boyne to the Nanny, and if the rooks are not at home our eyes are regaled with a sight of the kingly birds condescend- ing to eat of our humble frogs, and otherwise resting and enjoying themselves. But if the rooks are at home and a heron ventures to rest himself, such a noise and royal row as then ensues is a treat and refreshment both to ears and eyes. The gardener's opinion is "the cranes take the crows' eggs," but I do not think he knows anything conclusive.—I am, Sir, A. H. CLIFFORD.
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