Herons and Fish

Abstract

IT was commonly believed and asserted by old-time writers on natural history that from the feet and legs of the common heron exuded an oil with a peculiar odour which attracted fish within striking distance of the bird's powerful beak. Anglers used to mix the fat of a heron with flour and other matter and anoint their baits with it, whereby, says John Jonston in his “Historia Naturalis” (1657), “mirifice pisces illiciuntur”.