Although heavy-looking on the wing, this species is capable of performing flights of immense distance, and to a certain extent may be considered migratory. In winter they are seldom seen beyond the edge of the tropics, but in summer they are frequently found as far north as the thirty-sixth degree of latitude. Extremely wary and difficult of approach, they are seldom shot, although persistently pursued by fishermen, on account of the immense damage they do to the spawn and young Fish. They are also possessed of the greatest powers of vitality, and resist death when pierced with wounds so serious that they would inevitably kill any other species. From this circumstance doubtless they receive the name of Die-hards from the residents that dwell on the margin of the Gulf of Mexico. When disabled from taking flight, their courage in defending themselves from an assailant is as remarkable as that of the Bittern; but being possessed of superior size and strength to the latter Bird, the Brown Pelican can successfully resist the strongest Dog. Like the other species of this genus they live in small communities of twenty or thirty members, and build their nests upon the ground closely adjoining each other, and the utmost good fellowship, almost affection for each other, exists between them. The young Birds remain with their parents till the spring following their birth, the old ones driving them off to seek new homes, when the advance of the season tells them that they must provide a home for a coming family. As in many other races, the plumage of the young is much darker and less handsomely marked than in the adults. From frequent persecution, the Brown Pelican has of late years much diminished in numbers. THE SPECTACLED PELICAN. The Spectacled Pelican, which is only found in southern climates, is thus named from the naked skin which surrounds its eyes, giving the Bird the appearance of having on a pair of spectacles. Its plumage is white, and in habits and mode of life it closely resembles the previously described species. One of its principal haunts is along the southern coasts of China, especially in the vicinity of the mouth of the Canton river, and on the bays near it. The Chinese regard them as sacred, and nothing would induce them either to rob them of their eggs or young. Longevity is reported to be one of their characteristics. A very old mandarin, living on the margin of Meers’ Bay, once pointed out a Spectacled Pelican, that he said he could remember since his childhood. This Bird was partially tamed; for although it went long distances to fish, it always returned to his village to pass the night. THE LONG-WINGED SWIMMING BIRDS. [Illustration: ALBATROS.]