238 IN BIRD LAND. 



pond, were two more large, almost gigantic pelicans, 

 not of the same species as the two just mentioned, 

 having no tufts on their beaks, but a large feather- 

 less spot on the side of their heads encircling the 

 eye. There they stood, silently preening their 

 plumes, dexterously drawing each snowy feather 

 between their mandibles. How long they had been 

 making their toilet I cannot say. Presently the first 

 two pelicans came sailing over to the platform, and 

 climbed awkwardly upon it. Would there be a 

 pitched battle between them and the other two 

 birds ? One of the latter stretched forth his neck, 

 and, to my great surprise, puffed out a large mem- 

 branous bag or pouch at his throat like that of a 

 frog, and uttered a warning cry. But soon the 

 quartette of feathered Goliaths settled down into 

 quiet, and adjusted their plumes without the least 

 interference with one another's comfort. 



Following a winding pathway, I presently reached 

 an apartment which contained sixteen great horned 

 owls, sitting in a row and looking as wise as Greek 

 sages. It was amusing to see them expand their 

 eyes and stare through the blinding light, then 

 blink, close one eye and dilate the other, and then 

 shut both so nearly that only narrow chinks were 

 visible between the lids. Several of them opened 

 their small, human-like mouths, and hissed at me 

 softly whenever I stirred. In another part of the 

 ground there was a collection of barn owls, with 

 faces that looked very intelligent ; but the birds 

 seemed to be quite wild, glaring with their black 



