THE GREAT WHITE EGRET. 229 



almost any kind. If it is possible to approach them 

 sufficiently near to observe their motions while thus 

 occupied, we shall hardly fail to be gratified with the 

 sight. Here is one fine fellow, standing over three 

 feet and a half in height. He has straightened up 

 his tall and graceful figure to its full extent, and is 

 looking around suspiciously, but not observing any 

 danger, he composes himself to his work. What a 

 noble bird ! His plumage, of snowy whiteness, fairly 

 glistens in the sun's rays; and the long, flowing 

 plumes, which form a train of exquisite delicacy, are 

 waving in the gentle breeze. Now with silent watch- 

 fulness he intently eyes ]}\e quiet water, his neck 

 curved so as to bring the head to rest above the 

 shoulders. In this position he stands motionless as 

 a statue, engaged either in quietly contemplating 

 what is going on around him, or perhaps in watch- 

 ing for fresh game. Let us now apprise them that 

 we are too near for their convenience. Suddenly the 

 whole troop spread their broad wings, and in the 

 most majestic manner move slowly away. For a long 

 distance we can watch them ; their heads drawn in 

 to the shoulders, the long legs extended to their ut- 

 most in the rear, like a rudder, and their ample wings 

 beating the air in slow and measured strokes. This 

 showy bird appears to inhabit the whole line of the 

 Atlantic States as far as Massachusetts, confining 

 itself principally to the vicinity of those waters which 

 flow toward the sea, seldom, if ever, being found very 

 far in the interior. 



The Little Egret, or Snowy Heron, is another of 

 20 



