410 ANSERES. PELECANID^:. 



birds. The earth, and bushes, and rocks beneath, 

 are splashed widely with white ordure, the fishy 

 fetor of which is diffused all through the woods, 

 and is but too perceptible even at the highroad. 

 Scattered upon the ground lie the long bones, bleach- 

 ed in the wind, and the sable feathers, of several 

 Frigate-birds, who met their death where they had 

 been accustomed to live ; the victims perhaps of 

 disease, or perhaps of mutual encounters. High 

 up on the loftiest and outmost limbs sit many 

 Pelicans, some preening their plumage, others, with 

 the long beak resting on the breast, enjoying a 

 sluggish repose. Frigates and Boobies are asso- 

 ciated with them, but of these we shall speak 

 presently. 



From many visits to this place, which commonly 

 goes by the name of the Pelican hole, I have ob- 

 served that the Pelicans which resort hither, leave 

 the roost at early dawn, and fish for two or three 

 hours ; they return about eight o'clock and rest on 

 the roosting trees until about eleven ; then they go 

 abroad again and fish along the shore or sit lazily on 

 the rocking sea, till dusk, when in long strings they 

 fly wearily homeward, and spend the night upon 

 their favourite trees. 



It is a pleasant sight to see a flock of Pelicans 

 fishing. A dozen or more are flying on heavy, 

 flagging wing over the sea, the long neck doubled 

 on the back, so that the beak seems to protrude 

 from the breast. Suddenly, a little ruffling of the 

 water arrests their attention; and, with wings 

 half-closed, down each plunges with a resounding 



