THE GOLDEN EAGLE 131 



bird still lingered as a breeding species to some- 

 where about the year 1855 ; now the Highlands 

 are its only resort. In Ireland the bird has sadly 

 decreased in numbers, and its principal breeding- 

 places are, according to Mr. R. J. Ussher, a few 

 places in Mayo, Donegal, Galway, and Kerry. 

 Returning to Scotland, the Golden Eagle breeds 

 here and there in the Hebrides and the Western 

 and Northern Highlands. It is most satisfactory 

 to know that this splendid bird maintains its 

 ground, and that in some districts it is actually 

 increasing, thanks to the protection which has 

 been given it by certain landowners, to whom all 

 naturalists must feel more than grateful. Collectors, 

 especially oologists, are responsible for the exter- 

 mination of a good many Golden Eagles ; and when 

 we hear of the tempting prices which are offered 

 to shepherds and others, the only wonder is that 

 the bird exists at all ! We are convinced that 

 saner opinions are spreading, and we have every 

 confidence that the bird for the present at all 

 events is safe. Let the splendid bird be guarded 

 as national property, for its presence in the 

 Highlands is an ornament that cannot be spared. 

 Beyond British limits the range of the Golden 

 Eagle is a wide one, exceeded by few other species. 



