THE ARTIST S BIRDS. 199 



an element oF much-neeJed variety into liis 

 works. 



I pass now to the landscape painter's portion of 

 the subject. Here the choice is evxn more ex- 

 tensive, but the artist has sadly neglected his 

 opportunities. Almost every landscape admits oF 

 tlie introduction oF bird-liFe in some form, antl 

 many phases oF bird-liFe contain all the elements 

 for most effective studies. I pass over most oF the 

 smaller species — not because they are any the less 

 worthy, but because their small size is an obstacle 

 to their successFul artistic treatment, unless drawn 

 specially and liFe-size. What an infinite variety oF 

 subjects might be selected, for instance, From the 

 Raptores, or Birds oF Prey: the Golden Eagle 

 {Aqiiila chrijsaetus) amongst the mountain crags — 

 not in the act oF attacking healthy birds or beasts 

 much stronger and more pugnacious than himselF, 

 but either standins; on some Favourite crag in 

 solitude, or striking the weak and defenceless lamb 

 or death-stricken beast ; or, yet again, at his eyrie 

 far up the beetling cliffs : the White-tailed Eagle 

 {Ha/iaetus albicillci), sailing proudly over the moun- 

 tain lochs, or beating about the sheep farms and 

 the coasts in quest of carrion : the Peregrine {Falco 

 peregri)i>(s), all dash and vigour and nervous excite- 



