LUMINOUS BIRDS AND OTHER ANIMALS. 109 



that made their escape before I thought of shooting. The 

 light disappeared with them ; and my opinion is, that what 

 I saw was phosphorescent light upon the breast of the 

 birds." 



I have been told by several sportsmen that they have 

 heard of such an occurrence ; and I have always been im- 

 pressed with the belief that the greasy, oily, powder-down 

 patches might become luminous under certain conditions, 

 but never until the present year have been able to find 

 reliable personal testimony. The following statement, pre- 

 pared for me by Mr. Isaac W. Worrall of Philadelphia, shows 

 that the phosphorescence of birds is a fact. To obtain a 

 full account of Mr. Worrall's observations, I made out a list 

 of questions, which he has kindly answered; and which, 

 from the great interest connected with the occurrence, are 

 given in full : 



" Upon what birds did you observe the luminosity ? " 

 " The night heron (Nyctiardea .grisea) and blue crane 

 (Ardea ccerulea)" 



" What was the situation of the light or lights ? " 

 " One on the breast, and one on each side of the hips, 

 between the hips and the tail." 



" Upon how many birds did you observe the light ? " 

 " Upon four different birds, including the one I shot." 

 " How far could you see the lights in the living bird ? " 

 "I saw the light plainly at a distance of about fifty 

 yards." 



"Did you notice the reflection of the light upon the 

 water?" 

 "No." 

 " Was the light brilliant enough to make a reflection ? " 



