794 
BIRD-LIFE. 
of unrivalled beauty, or when cleaving the air the sun 
shines on their pure white plumage and enhances its 
loveliness, or when standing out in hold relief against 
the dark water. I have often met with these birds on 
the borders of the Lake of Mensaleh, in Egypt, as well 
as amongst the swamps of the White—and Blue Nile; 
and each time I have seen them they have more and 
more rivetted my attention. 
The Great White Heron is unfortunately a rare bird in 
Germany, and then only occurs as a passing visitor, for 
its home lies on the south or south-east of Europe. It 
is, if not a resident, a yearly and regular frequenter of 
those vast morasses through which the countless 
branches of the two principal rivers of our continent 
weave a net-work of silver streams, in which low swampy 
tracts the fruitfulness and plenty, richness and luxuriance 
of vegetation vie with those of countries within the 
tropics. The winter season compels it to migrate, though 
not far, for the swamps and lakes of lower Egypt offer as 
eligible a retreat as the bird can wish. Here I became 
acquainted with it. 
The Great White Egret far surpasses in size all other 
of its European cousins, and is remarkable for its proud 
bearing. It is four feet in length, with a breadth of over 
six feet across the wings. The plumage is dazzling white ; 
the feathers on the back are long, stiffish, and filamentous. 
This dress is as lovely as it is simple. These Egrets, 
alighting on green trees, appear in the distance like 
brilliant white blossoms belonging to the same. A close 
acquaintance of this bird does not often fall to the lot of 
the observer; for it is, under all circumstances, exceed¬ 
ingly shy and difficult of approach, taking good care to 
keep out of reach of man: in this its conduct differs 
