PELICAN ISLAND 195 



but, with this exception, Pelican Island doubtless 

 forms the nesting ground of all the Pelicans of In- 

 dian River. 



The question why the birds should select this 

 particular island in preference to the scores of 

 others which, to the human eye, appear to be 

 equally well suited to their needs, is a difficult one 

 to answer. Perhaps 110 true selection is shown by 

 the existing birds, which, as with many other island- 

 inhabiting species, may be the survivors of a once 

 more widely distributed species, who have been pre- 

 served by the protection afforded by their island 

 home. Such a colony might owe its beginning to a 

 pair of birds who were the true selectors of the site 

 of the future colony. The preserving influences of 

 the situation were potent from the beginning. The 

 first brood reached maturity without mishap, and 

 in response to the instinct which prompts a bird to 

 return to the region of its birth, they, with succes- 

 sive generations, came back and eventually estab- 

 lished the prevailing conditions. 



The attachment of these Pelicans for their home 

 affords a remarkable illustration of the power of 

 habit. Ever since the Indian River region has been 

 subject to annual invasion by tourists, among whom 

 the man with the gun is conspicuous both by num- 

 bers and actions, the inhabitants of Pelican Island 

 have been wantonly and, on occasions, brutally per- 

 secuted. Scarcely a day passes during February 

 and March that one or more boat loads of tourists, 

 perhaps from the mainland or a passing yacht, do 

 not land on Pelican Island and thoughtlessly cause 

 the death of many young birds by driving them 



