16 FALCONIDE. 



the Grouse, descended with rapid wiug from the adjacent 

 lofty cHfts hefore our guns were reloaded, and, in defiance of 

 the shouts made to deter him, carried off his prey." In 

 another part of the Western Highlands of Scotland, Montagu 

 " had an opportunity of Avitnessing the powers of the flight 

 of this hird in pursuit of its quarry. An old Black Cock 

 was sprung, and was instantly pursued hy the Eagle (who 

 must have heen on a neighbouring rock unperceived) across 

 the glen, the breadth of which was at least two miles. The 

 Eagle made several pounces in view, without success, but as 

 there was no wood nor cover on the opposite mountain 

 sufficient to conceal so large a bird as the Heath Grouse, he 

 doubtless forfeited his life to the merciless tyrant of the 

 rocks." 



Mr. Thompson has given the following information on the 

 authority of a sporting friend. " When out hunting among 

 the Belfast Mountains, an Eagle appeared above his hounds 

 as they came to fault on the ascent to Devis, the highest of 

 the chain. As they came on the scent again, and were at 

 full cry, the Eagle for a short time kept above them, but at 

 length advanced and carried off the hare, when at the distance 

 of from three to four hundred yards before the hounds." 



M. Luighi Benoit states that in Sicily, a pair of Golden 

 Eagles have been seen to hunt in concert for game ; one of 

 the birds gliding over the ground and beating the bushes 

 and shrubs with its wings, while the other remains on the 

 look-out at a moderate elevation. A Rabbit or a Hare, if 

 driven out, is immediately seized, and the prey thus obtained 

 is shared with its companion. 



Eagles are said to be very long-lived ; one that died at 

 Vienna was stated to have lived in confinement one hundred 

 and four years. Their voice is sharp and loud, consisting 

 generally of two notes, repeated many times in succession. 

 Two birds of this species kept by Mr. Selby "appeared un- 

 tameable in disposition, their fierceness remaining undimi- 

 nished through years of confinement. They did not exhibit 

 any partiality even for the person who constantly attended and 

 fed them, but were as ready to attack him as a stranger." 



