BIRD COLLECTING 127 
of the largest colonies of this much-persecuted bird now existing in the 
United States. Six other species of Herons were found nesting with the 
White Egrets, the whole forming a rookery like those which existed 
commonly in the days of Audubon, but which are now almost unknown 
in the United States. 
A former “‘plumer,” now chief warden in charge of the preserve, 
stated that both the Little White or Snowy Egret and the Roseate Spoon- 
bill were once found in the region, but their complete annihilation left 
no stock which, under protection, might prove the source of an ever- 
AN EGRET FAMILY 
increasing progeny. It is doubtful if these birds could be introduced, 
but in any event the preservation of the White Egret alone is a sufficient 
cause for thanksgiving, and bird lovers will learn with gratification of the 
existence of an asylum where this beautiful creature will long be assured 
of a haven of refuge. 
The Egrets were nesting high in the cypress trees which grow in a 
lake several miles in length. In order, therefore, to make the photo- 
graphic studies so essential to the taxidermist in securing life-like poses 
for his subjects, as well as to learn something also, of the Egrets’ little- 
