GREAT AMERICAN EGRET. 603 



ing, and after a very short lapse of time they spread their snowy pi- 

 nions, and move in different directions, to search for fiddlers, fish, in- 

 sects of all sorts, small quadrupeds or birds, snails, and reptiles, all of 

 which form the food of this species. 



The nest of the Great White Egret, whether placed in a cypress one 

 hundred and thirty feet high, or on a mangrove not six feet above the 

 water, whether in one of those dismal swamps swarming with loath- 

 some reptiles, or by the margin of the clear blue waters that bathe the 

 Keys of Florida, is large, flat, and composed of sticks, often so loosely 

 put together as to make you wonder how it can hold, besides itself, the 

 three young ones which this species and all the larger Herons have at 

 a brood. In a few instances only have I found it compactly built, it 

 being the first nest formed by its owners. It almost always overhangs 

 the water, and is resorted to and repaired year after year by the same 

 pair. The eggs, which are never more than three, measure two inches 

 and a quarter in length, an inch and five-eighths in breadth, and when 

 newly laid are smooth, and of a pale blue colour, but afterwards be- 

 come roughish and faded. When the nest is placed on a tall tree, the 

 young remain in it, or on its borders, until they are able to fly ; but 

 when on a low tree or bush, they leave it much sooner, being capable 

 of moving along the branches without fear of being injured by falling, 

 and knowing that should they slip into the water they can easily extri- 

 cate themselves by striking with their legs until they reach either the 

 shore or the nearest bush, by clinging to the stem, of which they soon 

 ascend to the top. 



This Egret is shy and vigilant at all times, seldom allowing a 

 person to come near unless during the breeding season. If in a rice- 

 field of some extent, and at some distance from its margins, where 

 cover can be obtained, you need not attempt to approach it ; but if 

 you are intent on procuring it, make for some tree, and desire your 

 friend to start the bird. If you are well concealed, you may almost 

 depend on obtaining one in a few minutes, for the Egrets will perhaps 

 alight within twenty yards or less of you. Once, when I was very de- 

 sirous of making a new drawing of this bird, my friend John Bach- 

 man followed this method, and between us we carried home several 

 superb specimens. 



The long plumes of this bird being in request for ornamental pur- 

 poses, they are shot in great numbers while sitting on their eggs, or 



