THE FOSSIL AVIFAUNA OF THE 
421 
They probably resorted there for the same purjxjses as modern elephants now come 
to certnin drinking-pools in their haunts in Africa. Mammoths among the large 
mammalia were not there alone, however, for at least four kinds of Llamas were 
associated with them in that fauna, and one species at least of these was as large as 
a camel, and the others not very much less. Horses of several varieties also i-esorted 
to those shores, and it is quite within range of possibility that at certain times one 
might have seen Mammoths, Llamas and Horses all there together, but in what 
force they came we now have no means of knowing. Modern Horses and 
Elephants often associate in their respective regions in great tnK)p8. and the 
habits of our recently extirpated Buffalo are well knowm. Yet, with respect to the 
latter, how scanty are their remains at their former drinking places. It is (piite 
possible that the Horses of the Pliocene were equally abundant, and had linbits m)t 
so very widely different. There was another remarkable mammal that occasionally 
figured in this Pliocene picture, — a great Sloth, which was full 3 ’ as large a.s our 
existing grizzly Bear; and there is evidence that Bears likewise were to Ik* 
seen there. Of the smallest carnivora and of small rodents there was no lack, for 
as we have seen, their abundant remains are to be found to-da^’ in what was the 
former lake’s bottom. There were Otters there, and Beavers, and no end of Hares. 
Gophers and their kin. Coyotes and perhaps other Canidtc were there to pivy u|Mm 
these, and they no doubt occasionally attacked the larger mammalia, especially the 
Llamas. 
Passing to the bird-life, which we now know' w'as very abundant, the scene 
would not be so very dissimilar, in so far as it was concerned, from what we might 
observe upon any of the large alkaline lakes of the Avest resorted to at the presc'ut dav 
by the wild-fowl during their migrations. Great flocks of Swans, Geest* and Ducks 
were there, feeding on the marshy shores of the lake or disporting thenrsclves u|H)n 
its waters. With but few excejAions they wmre of modern genera and siR-cies. A 
ponderous Goose appeared among them, perhaps but sparingly during Pli(M-ene time, 
for it must then liaAm been nearly extinct. And a Swan tcK), who.st* race ha.s sinct* 
died out wms also there, but it was of a size quite in keeping Avith present day Swans. 
SeAmral species of Grebe sAvam upon, and dived in those ancient Avaters ; tliey weiv 
all like our existing Grebes, and most probably had similar habits. To the.se groui)s 
we must add many individuals of a species of a great, strange Cormorant (/'. macro- 
pus), larger than any of our existing Cormorants, though probablA'. t(M), with habits 
not unlike them. Gulls and Terns in numbers Avere in the air, and donbtle.xs files of 
Pelicans along the shore lines. But the strangest figure upon the scene among the 
birds Avas a true Flamingo. It could not have been very abundant for it hm* left 
but scanty remains. Still it Avas there, and its presence has its meaning.— it may 
even suggest ideas as to Avhat the climate may buAe been in those times. Herons 
were to be seen, and in the marshes cackled Coots and flcAV flocks of BInckl)ir(ls. no 
doubt Avith notes and habits very similar to those of their descendants of the present 
day. Tringecs and Phalaropes coursed along the low shores of the lakes margin, 
