THE HOME OF THE ALLIGATOR 



37i 



Fouk Nests of the White Ibis, within a radius of three feet, on Bird Island. 

 Several nestlings, which are black at this age, are to be seen. 



island near the center of Lake Kissimmee, an excellent opportunity. 

 Lake Kissimmee, which is about thirty miles long by five wide, lies at 

 almost the exact geographical center of the state of Florida. It may be 

 reached by driving, as in the present case, or by motor-boat from the 

 town of Kissimmee on the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, at the head 

 of Lake Tohopekaliga. 



The island in question is well named " Bird Island," for it is the 

 nesting place of thousands of white ibis, and not a few other birds. 

 Its situation in the center of the lake makes it a safe retreat from 

 the wild-cats and other destructive animals of the mainland, while 

 the neighboring swamps furnish an endless supply of food for both old 

 and young birds. For miles in all directions flocks of ibis, from three 

 or four to as many dozens in number, may be seen feeding in the 

 swamps and sloughs, or flying, single file, with their characteristic 

 alternate flapping and sailing, to and from the rookery on the island. 



The island itself is covered with a dense jungle of reeds and under- 

 growth, with areas of bushes and small trees. When one pushes 

 through the reeds into one of the bushy areas, there is a startling whirr 

 of wings as thousands of the ibis take to flight, circling about overhead 

 in a perfect cloud, and making a most beautiful spectacle. 



At the time of our visit to the rookery, about the middle of July, 



