The Savannah morning news., 1900-06-17
A Pelican Panic.
Or the Appalling Uppishness Oh
Billy.
BY ANNE H. WOODRUFF.

A family of pelicans lived on the mar
gin of lovely lake. A very large family
it was, indeed-fathers, mothers and chill
dren; uncles, aunts and cousins innumer-
able. They had delightful times, for it
was always warm weather there and best
of ALL there was always plenty to eat.
All they had to do when they were hungry
was to skim along the surface OF the
water. and wnen an unlucky fish showed
himself pounce down upon him and COB
be him up. Sometimes a whole shoal of
fish would appear, and then it was a Won
derful and beautiful sight to see that great
family of pelcans sweep suddenly down
upon their prey in a most startling man
ner.
There were trees growing on the banks
of the lake which cast delightful shad-
ows upon the water, some OF the long,
dropping branches of the willows reaching
clear down into the lake. They found the
shade very refreshing after a flight in the
hot sunshine and the exert.on of catch
ing their lunch.
one fine day, while they were taking
their rest in the shade beneath the will
lows, a pair of youns pelicans were en-
gagged in close and absorbing conversation.
They were a handsome couple, of large
size, white, slightly tinged with pink, or
flesh color. They had large, broad and
extremely long bills, the extreme tip OF
the upper one of a bright red color, and
curving like hook over the under one.
MY dear" the female pelican was say
ing to her mate the time has come when
I shall need to look for a suitable spot
for a nest. I must have your help in Sc
lecting IT,"
Certainly, my love" was the answer.
II shall be happy to render you all the
assistance in my power What was your
dea?"
Il am. as you are aware. OF very re-
firing disposition" she said, land the pub
ucity of this shore, where all our friends
love to congregate, is extremely distaste-
full to me. I am really puzzled to know
what to do
Really" said he. 81 am quite at
loss how to advise you. All, yes! I have
itr
speak, my love. and relieve my ankle
ty." she implored.
What do you think of that wood
vonder?" he asked, indicating by grace
full motion Of his right wing a small ISL
and lying at no great distance from the
"Juet the thing" she exclaimed Joy
fully. How clever OF you! My dear.
would YOU be so kind as 40 go and In
vesugate, and bring me word as to its
suitability and comfort for nest. I do
not feel quite equal to the exertion my
self to-day"
with pleasure, love" he replied, swim
ming off across the water. while his fond
spouse stood on the bank watching his
graceful movements with proud and ad-
miring eyes.
In a short time he returned and assured
her that ii was impossible to find more
desirable place, so the next day she made
there her nest OF soft rushes and grass,
on the ground near the water,
In due time three beautiful white eggs
appeared in the nest, upon which she sat
dav and night until they were Matched.
II must be acknowledged that her spouse
was most attentive and devoted, bring
ing her the choicest sitbits in the way of
fish that it was possible for him to find.
How the proud parents rejoiced in their
little onesl They thought OF nothing else
but to provide for their wants, bringing
them the fish they caught in the large
pouches beneath the bill, with which oil
pelicans are provided for that purpose.
The little ones grew and thrived. and the
mother said they would soon be able 10
leave the nest, when she would teach them
TO earn their own living. She warned
them not to leave the nest without her
permission. limiting at vague and fearful
dangers that we're without that safe re-
treat
One little pelican was of a bold and de-
faint disposition. and in the absence of
his mother announced his intention OF