56 WATER-BIRDS IX THEIR HOMES. 



a dozen or two of the largest males began to march backward 

 and forward in the rear of the flock. Nearly every male 

 soon joined in this concourse. 



The line of the flock lay about parallel with the shore, and 

 the males took their position directly in the rear in a solid 

 body. As though at a given signal every bird commenced to 

 march, passed to the extreme farther end of the flock, and 

 halted, making a great noise, as if every bird in his loudest 

 voice said, " Don't I wear a splendid uniform ? " After a 

 moment's pause, all faced about, marched back to the other 

 end of the line, and then cried again, " Am I not a beautiful 

 bird ? " When marching back and forth, they moved in almost 

 as perfect order as a platoon of soldiers. Thus the parade con- 

 tinued for nearly an hour, until one by one the birds dropped 

 out of the ranks and began to feed again. 



