AIGRET, regret or ft-gra', or AIGRETTE (Fr.). A small white heron or egret. (See EGRET.) Pence. a plume or erect ornament of feathers, originally the long filiform tuft of feathers that spring from the back of the egret in the breeding-season, and arranged to adorn the hair, a bonnet, headdress or helmet, or something similar to this, especially when jeweled. "A small bundle of these feathers has been used among Eastern nations as an ornament, and worn in the front of the turban, caftan, or other headdress by personages of high rank, be ing occasionally mounted with, or its form imi tated by, precious stones; and the gift of an egret so bejeweled has been one of the most distinguished marks of honor that could be bestowed by an Oriental ruler upon a favorite minister or successful leader." The fashion has spread to Western nations and given rise to various decorations on military hats, and for women's hair and bonnets.
The demand of millinery, indeed, during the last quarter of the nineteenth century, caused sueh inroads upon the breeding colonies of white herons in all parts of the world that these birds are everywhere greatly diminished in numbers. and in some regions, as in Florida. are almost exterminated. As the desired plumes grow only during the breeding season, the killing of a bird for their sake usually means the death of a family and the rapid depopulation of the colony. From this point of view, and remembering that great cruelty is likely to accompany the obtain ing of the plumes. the statement of the annual sales of aigrets in London and other great mar kets is appalling to all persons of a humane mind and delicate taste.