238 IN BIRD LAND. 
pond, were two more large, almost gigantic pelicans, 
not of the same species as the two just mentioned, 
having no tufts on their beaks, but a large feather- 
less spot on the side of their heads encircling the 
eye. There they stood, silently preening their 
plumes, dexterously drawing each snowy feather 
between their mandibles. How long they had been 
making their toilet I cannot say. Presently the first 
two pelicans came sailing over to the platform, and 
climbed awkwardly upon it. Would there be a 
pitched battle between them and the other two 
birds? One of the latter stretched forth his neck, 
and, to my great surprise, puffed out a large mem- 
branous bag or pouch at his throat like that of a 
frog, and uttered a warning cry. But soon the 
quartette of feathered Goliaths settled down into 
quiet, and adjusted their plumes without the least 
interference with one another’s comfort. 
Following a winding pathway, I presently reached 
an apartment which contained sixteen great horned 
owls, sitting in a row and looking as wise as Greek 
sages. It was amusing to see them expand their 
eyes and stare through the blinding light, then 
blink, close one eye and dilate the other, and then 
shut both so nearly that only narrow chinks were 
visible between the lids. Several of them opened 
their small, human-like mouths, and hissed at me 
softly whenever I stirred. In another part of the 
ground there was a collection of barn owls, with 
faces that looked very intelligent; but the birds 
seemed to be quite wild, glaring with their black 
