_American Bittern--Derivation of "Calamity."_--It has been stated of
an American Bittern, that it has the power of admitting rays of light
from its breast, by which fish are attracted within its reach. Can any
one inform me as to the fact, or refer me to any ornithological work
in which I can find it?
In answer to "F.S. Martin"--Calamity (_calamitas_), not from
_calamus_, as it is usually derived, but perhaps from obs.
_calamis_, i.e. _columis_, from [Greek: kholo, kolhao, kolhazo] to
maim, mutilate, and so for _columitas_. (See Riddle's _Lat.-Eng.
Dictionary_.)