84 STORIES OF BIRD LIFE 



enough to stand alone did not hesitate to strike at us 

 threateningly with their bills as we approached, and on 

 more than one occasion they were seen thrusting at each 

 other. These awkward young pugilists are also exceed- 

 ingly noisy. They kept up a continual clamor, which 

 might have been grating to the ears of any but an inter- 

 ested spectator. 



One of our party, whose home was on the coast, re- 

 marked that, as it was an easy matter to rear young peli- 

 cans by hand where fish were abundant and easily cap- 

 tured, he wished to secure a pair for that purpose. Pro- 

 ceeding to carry out his intention, he approached a man- 

 grove bush holding a nest in which two thrifty pelican 

 children were carrying on a heated discussion over some 

 household difficulty. They were scolding and biting each 

 other in a most unbrotherly manner. But now they turned 

 upon their mutual enemy. A lively scene followed, but he 

 brought them aboard at last at the cost of a bruised hand 

 and a battered straw hat. 



Queer looking and queer acting passengers they were, 

 with their great bills, white downy coats, and pinfeathered 

 wings. Once aboard we never saw them quarrel again. 

 At first they had to be taught to eat from the hand, but 

 they soon learned the lesson, and in a short time would flop 



