THE VULTURE. 



29 



THE VULTURE. 



Almost everyone dislikes the vulture. His very name is thought to express^ 

 cowardice and gluttony, and every unpleasant quality. He is not to be com- 



niK VULTURE. 



pared to the eagle and the other birds of prey, and his place hardly seems to 

 be among them. 



His head and neck are bare of feathers, and his plumage is coarse and ill 

 kept ; his eyes are prominent, and his claws shorter. Indeed, he cannot carry 

 his prey through the air as the eagle does, but is obliged to stay and devour 

 it on the spot. 



