of their species. Hovering over the waters, diving for prey, or slumbering midst the mangrove's branches, these birds there exist in multitudes. Despite their weighty proportions, they possess great powers of flight, being able not only to remain many hours on wing, but to rise high in the air, where they perform the most beautiful evolutions. In genial weather, congregating in groups, as though for social enjoyment, they rise, flock after flock, in broad circles, till they reach, perhaps, the height of a mile, when with their wings constantly extended, they float gracefully, coursing each other, as if in an aerial labyrinth, for an hour or more at a time. Suddenly with wonderful velocity they dart downwards and settle on the waters, where they ride like a dusky fleet along the billows. Or sometimes alighting among their favorite mangroves, they spread their wings to the breeze. When about to repose, they rest upon the sand, or remain standing, when they draw their head between their shoulders, raise one of their feet, place their bills upon their backs, and so betake themselves to slumber. Immediately on the return of the tide, of which they have a most unerring intuition, they all start up, and spreading their ample pinions, soar in search of prey. They are also in a remarkable degree weather-wise, and should they be seen fishing in retired places, it is the sure precursor of a storm. On the contrary, when they venture out to sea, it is a certain indication of fair weather.

The Frigate Pelicans are closely allied in their ha

bits, as in many of their characteristics, to the Vulture. Like it rapacious, ferocious, and slothful, their predominating traits are anything but attractive. Unscrupulously these birds pillage each other's nests, in order to construct their own with less exertions; lord it over others weaker than themselves, and even devour indiscriminately the young of every species. They exhibit extraordinary dexterity in collecting materials for the construction of their nests, and when flitting swiftly on wing they break off the twigs of trees in passing, just as though for amusement, by a single snap of their powerful bills.

The Frigate Pelican possesses a power of flight equalled by few other birds, surpassing as it does that of the Gull, the Tern, and the Hawk in its velocity. Darting from on high in pursuit of its prey, which the keenness of its vision enables 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 treasure. In this manner, passing from bill to bill, the poor captive is carried through the air. With the early dawn, this bird commences his pilgrimage in

search of prey. Before the awakening of any of the more amiable songsters, he emerges from his roosting place stealthily. Onwards he sails towards the deep, when the richly-tinted green waters lie still ungladdened by the sun. Then flapping his pinions far into soars and floats around. Again descending with half closed wing he makes towards the sea, and having secured his food shoots away.

the pure azure he

Or in the gloom of a gathering hurricane, when the misty air and lurid sky, muttering thunder, and angrily rolling billows, all give evidence of its approach, he may be seen gallantly awaiting the storm. Should he not be able to force a passage against its fury, he keeps his ground by balancing himself in the air like the Hawk. For three successive springs the plumage of this bird increases in beauty, the green, purple, and bronze tints acquiring greater distinctness.

Another species of these birds is the American White Pelican, so named by Audubon in distinction to the White Pelican of Europe; it varies but slightly in its habits from the rest of its tribe.

Its snowy plumage, when unsoiled, as on rising from the water, is extremely beautiful, as well as its broadly expanded crest and eyes of diamond brightness.

America possesses a variety of the Ibis in the Scarlet, the White, the Brown, the Glossy, and the Wood Ibis. The latter frequents the banks of forest pools, swamps, and the Pine Barrens. In desolate recesses, where the abounding cypresses, hung with lichens, form a complete labyrinth of shade, it is seen. In many respects it resembles the Pelican and Vulture,

as in the greediness with which it feeds; after which it remains for hours in a state of repletion. Its appearance is beautiful, from the fine contrast of its pure white plumage with its raven-tipped wings. When at rest it places the bill against the breast, in the manner of the Pelican.

The American Flamingo, resembling the Ibis in some of its traits, frequents the coasts of Florida. It is remarkable for the splendour of its apparel, being entirely scarlet, with the exception of the bill, the half of which, as well as the points of each wing, is of black. Its eyes are blue.

One of the most curious amidst the feathered tribes of which the New World boasts, is the Oyster Catcher. It may be considered a constant resident in the States, and has an extensive range, being found successively along the coast, from Maryland to the Gulf of Mexico -the shores of the Floridas, the Middle States, North Carolina and Labrador. Remaining among the sands or rocky shores of streams and bays, it is never found inland. This species is seldom seen in greater numbers than from one to three or four pairs, except indeed in winter, when they assemble cosily in parties of twenty-five or thirty. Remarkably dignified in its demeanor, this bird is attractive as well as interesting in its appearance, from the peculiliarity of its long, slender, but powerful bill, and its handsome plumage, the beauty of which is especially exhibited when on wing. Similar in the colours of its apparel to the ivory-billed Woodpecker, the snowy hue of the lower portions is rendered

more effective from the brilliant tints of its coral bill, and the transparent whiteness of its wings, with the blended jets of their tips, altogether present a most striking combination. Its flight, swift and graceful, is also powerful and sustained, sometimes accompanied also by the most extraordinary evolutions. When in groups they pass impetuously, wheeling; then, suddenly checking their course, return, not low over the surface of the water as before, but soaring high. Then forming themselves into ranks, presenting a broad front, in a moment, as though alarmed, again they close, and dive towards the sands or the waves. Should they be aimed at then, the shot generally strikes more than one, but the rest as soon as aware of danger meet in a straggling line, and are soon out of sight or reach. Vigilant and timid, this bird is constantly on the alert. Should it perceive any one watching it, immediately it sends forth a loud, shrill cry of alarm, and on being approached, though fearing neither for nest nor young, flies entirely out of view. Thus the only means of observing its habits, Audubon found, was in the use of the telescope. When quietly pursuing its occupations, it is observed often to probe the sand to the full length of its bill. This weapon too, it ingeniously insinuates between the shell like a chisel; in this manner seizing and devouring the oysters. Sometimes it dashes the shell against the sand, until broken, and thus the contents are obtained. Swimming for yards at a time, it catches up shrimps and crabs, and may be seen patting the sand, to force out the insects, which it greedily swallows.