A PE:aCOCK 01^ ISOIvA BElvLA 



Among the terraces and the beautiful shaded walks of the Isola Bella strut a flock of 

 pure white peacocks, which seem ever ready to welcome the visitors and display their beauti- 

 ful snow-white plumage. No Italian who owns a formal garden considers his domain 

 complete without one or two of these graceful birds. 



A UIRD UNCi: SACRlii) 



The peacock has been esteemed for its beauty from the earliest times. It was, among 

 the Greeks, considered sacred to the Goddess Hera, and there are constant references to it 

 among the Greek poets. King Solomon imported it into Palestine to add to the magnificence 

 of his court at Jerusalem. 



954 



