BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 1 97 



the same manner as in Florida. On the 20th of Februar}'', the 

 young were hatched in some of the nests, and incubation was 

 advanced in ah of them. I did not meet with the bird anywliere 

 else. The development of the air-cells is greater in this bird than 

 in any other that I am acquainted with. On touching it while 

 alive, a distinct crepitus is felt and heard, and as if it were emphy- 

 sematous ; all the bones, with the exception of the phalanges of the 

 toes, contain air. It possesses much more intelligence than I gave 

 it credit for. A tame one, belonging to the Colonel of Engineers at 

 Nassau, was in the habit of going every morning to the fish market. 

 Fish are always sold alive, and in order that the jDurchaser ma)- 

 select them, are taken out of the water and spread before him ; this 

 was the moment for the Pelican, and if he had been as active as he 

 was voracious, he would have fared well; but unfortunately for him, 

 the fishermen were generally too quick, and, seizing him by his long 

 beak, would throw him into the water, where he would remain for 

 some time, looking with great solemnity at his persecutors, and then 

 return to try his luck again. As I was passing by his owners house 

 one clay, he commenced tugging at my trousers with his bill ; at first 

 I did not understand what he wanted, but noticing that the gate was 

 shut, thought it possible that he might wish it opened ; this I accord- 

 ingly did, and he walked in at once, without stopping to thank me. 

 This bird was in immature plumage, probably not more than a 

 year old." 



