626 



THE TRVPH' BIRD. 



Tortugas, and in May lay their eggs on the sand, beneath the low bashes. During the occu- 

 pancy of Fort Jefferson by troops and prisoners, the eggs of these birds were a valuable item 

 in our list — meagre as it must be in that region — of fresh edibles. It was customary to clear 

 a space, several yards square, of the fresh eggs, and then take the fresh-laid ones in that space 

 twice a week. This could lie continued during several weeks, when the garrison was supplied 

 with fresh eggs in numbers to bean important item additional to rations. Besides these eggs 

 were a few of those of the Noddy Tern [Anous slolidus), which were laid in rude nests con- 

 ■structed on the bushes over the Booties'. They were pure white, and had a yellow yolk. 



The Bridled Tern, and two small species called, respectively, Black, and the White- 

 winged Tern, are known as North American. 



THE PELICANS. 



We now arrive at the Inst family of birds, the Pelicans, a group which includes many 

 species, all remarkable for some peculiarity, and many of them really tine and handsome birds. 



TROPIC BlUU.—P/iaeton cetherem 



As its name implies, the Tropic Bird is seldom to be seen outside the tropics unless 

 driven by storms. It is wonderfully powerful on the wing, being able to soar for a considerable 

 period, and passing whole days in the air without needing to settle. It is a beautiful and 

 delicately graceful bird, and always calls forth the admiration of the beholders, as it hovers 

 above the vessel or darts into the water in pursuit of prey. While on the wing it utters a 

 loud, shrill, and grating cry, which often indicates its presence at night as well as by day. 

 On account of this shrill cry. the sailors call it the Boatswain Bird. They also call it by the 

 name of Startail, on account of the long projecting tail-feathers. 



