112 THE KING'S BIRDS. 



procured ; so that the Spaniards, we are told, were 

 astonished and full of admiration at the sight. 

 But not only the sight of the birds was marvel- 

 lous ; the use made of their feathers was equally 

 curious and wonderful. 



The ancient Mexicans thought no costume so 

 lovely as that worn by the birds, and they took 

 the gorgeous feathers and lovely plumes and wove 

 them into mantles and stuffs, and all kinds of 

 dresses, mixing the feathers with gold and silver. 



The monarch himself chose the resplendent 

 plumes of the Trogon for a head-dress. So highly 

 were they esteemed in those days, that no one, 

 except he was of the blood-royal, was permitted 

 to wear them. 



Persons were appointed on purpose to look after 

 the feathers of the King's Birds. And it was their 

 office to pluck them, and also to weave them into 

 the rich mantles and shining costumes worn by the 

 grandees of the nation. 



