PW052: Bird called martinetto

Ucello d:o martinetto; ne abbondano le parti di Ambuella e China; le penne della coda sono le preziose sono bianche e finissime; l’han[n]o introdotte in Lisbona e le donne piu alte ne portano un penachio in testa p[er] brio o Vanità servano anche

[verso] Fare penachiera a capelli e celate e sono qua salite in tal prezo che sono caris[s]ime; il mirabile e questo, che questo Ucello quando si vede persequitato da cacciatori come che fossi consapevole della causa della sua morte; si volta e con il becco si strappa e guasta t[u]tta la coda; si che se non l’am[m]azano d’Improviso, non serve a nulla; io ne hò veduti molti &:

Bird called martinetto;1  there are many in the surroundings of Ambuila and China; the tail feathers are the precious ones they are white and very fine; they have introduced them in Lisbon and the highest ladies wear a panache of them in the hair for style or Vanity; they also serve  

[verso] to make panaches for hats and armet and they have risen to such a price that they are very expensive; what is remarkable is this, that this bird when it finds itself pursued by hunters as if it were aware of the cause of its death; turns around and with its beak plucks itself and spoils all of its tail; so that if they are not killed suddenly, it is for null; I have seen many etc.

  • 1
    Bird depicted and described is an ostrich [Struthio camelus].

Notes

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