168 AUDUBON THE NATURALIST. 
its velocity. Darting from on high in pursuit 
of its prey, which the keenness of its vision ena- 
bles it to perceive at a great distance, it boldly 
contests the possession of it with any rival that 
may approach. In that case, glancing from 
side to side, it surrounds the enemy with such 
strategic skill, as effectually to cut off all hope 
of retreat, until at length he is found to drop 
the prey from his open bill. Several of his 
own species then observing the good fortune 
of the pelican, smitten with envy, enclose him 
“for a combat. Dashing towards him on widely 
extended wings, they writhe around in wide 
circles, each one as it overtakes him lashing 
him with its pinions, and fighting for the treas- 
ure. In this manner, passing from bill to bill, 
the poor captive is carried through the air. With 
the early dawn, this bird commences his pilgrim- 
age in search of prey. Before the awakening of - 
any of the more amiable songsters, he emerges 
from his roosting place steathily. Onwards he 
sails towards the deep, when the richly-tinted 
green waters lie still: ungladdened by the sun. 
Then flapping his pinions far into the pure 
azure he soars and floats around. Again de 
ascending with half closed wing he makes to- 
wards the sea, and having secured his food 
shoots away. 
Or in-the gloom of a gathering hnrricans 
