WHITE HERON (PLATE CCCLXXXVI)

Great Egret, "Casmerodius albus" JW 37 fine, fresh impression, larger stitch holes from disbinding sheet 25 5/8 by 38 1/4 in.; 650 by 970 mm. Based on a composition probably painted at Charleston in June, 1832. "The train of this Egret, like that of other species, makes its appearance a few weeks previous to the love season, continues to grown and increase in beauty, until incubation has commenced, after which period it deteriorates.... The long plumes of this bird being in request for ornamental purposes, they are shot in great numbers while sitting on their eggs, or soon after the appearance of the young. I know a person who, on offering a double-barrelled gun to a gentleman near Charleston, for one hundred White Herons fresh killed, received that number and more the next day." After almost being exterminated, laws were passed to protect the egret which has now become quite common. See color illustration on Plate XX.