VULTURES. 



19 



circles that seem to intersect each other, as if forming an immense 

 chain of rounded links, and thus inspect a considerable extent of 

 country. A flock of twenty can in this manner easily survey an 

 area of two miles. Some fly at a considerable altitude, whilst 

 others keep near the ground, so that not a spot is left unexamined. 



liG. 10.— Ihe Arabian Vulture (Vultur moiiachus). 



The moment a dead animal is discovered, the lucky bird rounds 

 to, and by the impetuosity of its movements attracts the notice 

 of its nearest companion, who immediately hastens to share the 

 feast, and is successively followed by all the rest. Thus, the far- 

 thest from the discoverer, although at a considerable distance, 

 goes in a straight line towards the spot indicated by the flight of 

 the others, as though attracted by an extraordinary acuteness of 



