356 



HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 







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■ i^JvM.^ 



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 high 

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



