BRITISH BIRDS. 



43 



HIE LITTLE EGRET. 

 (Ardca Garzctta, Linn. tfer&n garzette, Temm.) 



THE Hgret is one of the smallest, as well as the 

 most elegant of the Heron tribe: its shape is deli- 

 cate, and the plumage white as snow; but what 

 constitute its principal beauty, are the soft, silky, 

 flowing plumes on the head, breast, and shoulders : 

 they consist of single slender shafts, thinly set with 

 pairs of fine soft threads, which float on the 

 slightest breath of air. Those which arise from 

 the shoulders, are extended over the back, and flow 

 beyond the tail. These plumes were formerly used 

 to decorate the helmets of warriors: they are now 

 applied to a gentler and better purpose, in orna- 

 menting the head-dresses of the European ladies, 

 and the turbans of the Persians and Turks. 



