THE PELICAN OF AFRICA. 71 



they were seized with a kind of stupor, which rendered them 

 incapable of flight. They regarded the fall of their companions 

 with a fixed astonishment; and when shot after shot was dis- 

 charged, the whole flock was sometimes levelled before one of 

 tliem began to think of escaping Misfortune, however, teaches 

 precaution to every creature ; and the disasters which the fla- 

 mingo has experienced from the fatal effects of fire-arms, has 

 rendered it not only one of the scarcest, but one of the shyest 

 birds in the world ; and to approach it, is almost impossible ; 

 for it always keeps near the salt-water lakes and swampy islands, 

 on the most inhospitable and unfrequented shores. When seen 

 in the day, these birds always appear in a flock of two or three 

 hundred together, drawn up in a close line; and Dampier says, 

 that when thus viewed at a distance, they present to the eye the 

 exact representation of a long brick wall. When they break 

 their ranks to search for food, one of them is always appointed 

 as a watch ; and as soon as the trusty sentinel perceives the re- 

 motest appearance of danger, he gives a scream as loud and as 

 shrill as the sound of a trumpet, and in a moment the whole 

 flock is on the wing. 



The flamingo builds its nest in extensive marshes, where there 

 is no danger of surprise; and the fabric is as great a curiosity 

 as the architect. It is raised about a foot and a half above the 

 surface of the pool, and is formed of mud which is hardened in 

 the sun. It resembles the frustrum of a cone, or one of those 

 pots which are commonly placed upon chimneys On the top, 

 it is hollowed out to the shape of the bird, and in that cavity the 

 female deposits her eggs, which never exceed two in number. 

 The young ones are a long time before they can fly ; but they 

 run with amazing speed. When taken young, they are tractable 

 and easily tamed. 



THE PELICAN OF AFRICA 



Is a bird which merits, and has indeed in all ages attracted 

 the attention of the naturalist. It is frequently mentioned in the 

 allusions of eastern writers, and often introduced in the sacred 

 writings, as the emblem of solitude, of silence, and sorrow. In 

 colour and shape it resembles the swan, but far exceeds it in 

 size. The singularity which peculiarly distinguishes this bird, 

 consists in the great pouch under its bill, which merits a par- 

 ticular description, especially as it has given rise to a variety of 

 fables. 



The enormous bill of the pelican is fifteen inches long, from 

 the point to the opening of the mouth, which is a good way be- 

 hind the eyes ; its base is greenish, but it varies towards the end, 

 which is of a reddish blue. At the lower edge of the under 



