THE FLAMINGOES 



2087 



the flocks as comprising tens of thousands of individuals, which may be seen either 

 massed upon the water, looking like huge rosy islands, or floating above it like a 

 cloud at sunset. Still more wonderful is it "to see one of these enormous flocks 



EUROPEAN FLAMINGOES. 

 (One-sixth natural size.) 



rise suddenly when alarmed; as you approach them, so long as they remain on the 

 water at rest, they look simply like a mass of faintly rosy snow. A rifle is fired, 

 and then the exposure of the upper and under coverts of the wing turns the mass 

 into a gigantic, brilliantly-rosy scarf, waving to and fro in mighty folds, as it floats 

 .away." 



