SOLITARY AND GREGARIOUS. 121. 
On observing that they did not heed me, I stole so 
close that my feet were within one yard of the 
horse’s legs, and again sat down. They all slid 
aloof a few feet ; but seeing me quiet, they soon re- 
turned as before. As they were often disturbed by 
the dogs, I ordered the latter home; my voice gave 
no alarm to the vultures. As soon as the dogs de- 
parted, the vultures crowded in such numbers, that 
I counted at one time thirty-seven on and around 
the carcass, with several within; so that scarcely an 
inch of it was visible. Sometimes one would come 
out with a large piece of the entrails, which, in a 
moment, was surrounded by several others, who tore 
it in fragments, and it soon disappeared. They 
kept up the hissing occasionally. Some of them, 
having their whole legs and heads covered with 
blood, presented a most savage aspect. Still, as the 
dogs advanced, I would order them away, which 
seemed to gratify the vultures ; and one would pur- 
sue another to within a foot or two of the spot 
where I was sitting. Sometimes I observed them 
stretching their necks along the ground, as if to 
press the food downward.”* 
But it may be remarked, that in all the accounts 
given of these gregarious vultures, nothing is said 
of their appointing a sentinel like the mountain- 
sheep, or like several species of birds to which we 
shall presently attend. For this, however, there is 
the obvious reason, that the vultures have no for- 
midable enemies, being protected by man to serve 
his convenience, besides that, like the mole, they 
seem to be too disgusting to be preyed upon by 
any animal. 
Other gregarious birds, however, may be observed 
aways to havea sentinel stationed near them while 
feeding, whose office it is to give timely alarm of 
threatening danger or indications of its approach. 
* Amer. Ornith., ix., 107. 
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