THE HOME OF THE ALLIGATOR 371 

Four NESTS OF THE WHITH IBIS, within a radius of three feet, on Bird Island. 
Several nestlings, which are black at this age, are to be seen. 
island near the center of Lake Kissimmee, an excellent opportunity. 
Lake Kissimmee, which is about thirty miles long by five wide, lies at 
almost the exact geographical center of the state of Florida. It may be 
reached by driving, as in the present case, or by motor-boat from the 
town of Kissimmee on the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, at the head 
of Lake Tohopekaliga. 
The island in question is well named “ Bird Island,” for it is the 
nesting place of thousands of white ibis, and not a few other birds. 
Its situation in the center of the lake makes it a safe retreat from 
the wild-cats and other destructive animals of the mainland, while 
the neighboring swamps furnish an endless supply of food for both old 
and young birds. For miles in all directions flocks of ibis, from three 
or four to as many dozens in number, may be seen feeding in the 
swamps and sloughs, or flying, single file, with their characteristic 
alternate flapping and sailing, to and from the rookery on the island. 
The island itself is covered with a dense jungle of reeds and under- 
growth, with areas of bushes and small trees. When one pushes 
through the reeds into one of the bushy areas, there is a startlin g whirr 
of wings as thousands of the ibis take to flight, circling about overhead 
in a perfect cloud, and making a most beautiful spectacle. 
At the time of our visit to the rookery, about the middle of J uly, 
