250 
NATATORES. 
in the fur countries, flying about in dense flocks all 
Summer. To these parts, and to the Rocky Mountain 
districts, it mostly resorts for the purpose of breed- 
ing, — its winter quarters extending southward from 
Carolina to Texas, along the coasts as well as inland. 
The plumage of this bird is quite white, except a 
portion of each wing, which is nearly black. From 
the back part of the head hangs a short crest of loose 
feathers. This crest, together with a tuft of feathers 
on the breast, is of a pale yellow color, as is also the 
pouch which hangs from the lower mandible. The 
upper mandible is armed at a short distance from the 
extremity with a sharp bony process, which occupies 
about one-fourth its length. The Pelicans are apt to 
assemble in flocks of considerable size, and resort to 
the same feeding ground, where they will arrange 
themselves on the margin of some sand-bar, pluming 
themselves, and preparing for the coming meal. Dur- 
ing this time, should one of them gape, all, as if by 
sympathy, open their long and broad mandibles, 
yawning lazily and ludicrously. At length hunger 
compels their return to the water. With awkward 
gait they waddle along as though they were out of 
their element; but when they reach the water’s edge 
they seem like other creatures. How beautifully do 
they float upon the surface as they arrange themselves 
for their work ! The following paragraph from Au- 
dubon shows their manner of taking food : u In 
yonder nook, the small fry are dancing in the quiet 
water, perhaps in their own manner bidding farewelj 
to the orb of day, perhaps seeking something for 
