356 



HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 



THE WHITE PELICAN. 



the tip, between which is placed a large dilatable 

 pouch, of a light straw color, that extends down the 

 fore part of the neck, and is capable of containing, 

 when extended, fifteen quarts liquid measure, and 

 serving the double purpose of a reservoir and provision 

 bag, for in this the parent fetches both food and water 

 to its young. The neck has somewhat of the curva 

 ture of the swan, but without its majestic bearing, and 

 is covered with a short close down ; the head is bare 

 in front, and flesh-colored, but on the back part has a 

 tuft of feathers falling down on the neck. The body 

 is large ; the wings of a moderate size, extremely 

 light in their bony structure, and capable of receiving 

 a large quantity of air, which enables it to soar higli 

 and continue long on the wing ; the legs are short, and 



