80 THEBALDEAQLI. 



enduring rapid changes of temperament, and its whole boiy 

 is clothed under the feathers with a kind of down, white 

 »nd soft like that of the swan. This bird builds its nesi 

 on some romantic clifiF by the sea-shore, or on the bank of 

 some river or lake, and feeds almost entirely upon fish. 



It is generally regarded by our countrymen with peon- 

 liar respect, as the chosen emblem of our native land. 

 The great cataract of Niagara is mentioned as one of its 

 favourite places of resort, not merely as a fishing station, 

 where it is enabled to satiate its hunger upon its most con- 

 genial food, but also in consequence of the vast quantity of 

 fbur-footfcd beasts, which unwarily venturing into the stream 

 above, s^ . borne away by the torrent, and precipitated down 

 those f aendous falls. 



High o'er the watery nproar silent seen, 

 Sailing sedate in majesty serene, 

 Now 'midst the pillar'd spray sublimely lost, 

 And now emerging, down the rapids toss'd, 

 Glides the Bald Eagle, gazing calm and slow 

 O'er all the horrors of the scene below ; 

 Intent alone to sate himself with blood, 

 From the torn victims of the raging flood. 



The number of birds of prey of various kinds, whloh 

 issemble at the foot of the rocks to glut themselves upon 

 khe banquet thus provided for them, is said to be incredibly 

 great, but they are all compelled to ^ve place to the Eaglt 

 when he deigns to feed on dead animals ; and the crow ttiA 



