342 On the Ornithology of Wilts [Falconide}. 
dition to these I have but one other record of the occurrence of the 
Eagle in Wiltshire, and that is an extract from the Salisbury 
Journal, bearing date as long ago as the middle of the last century, 
kindly sent me by Mr. Waylen: it is to the effect that “one summer 
evening an Eagle was observed sailing towards the summit of 
Salisbury Cathedral; he reposed there all night and early in the 
morning set sail northwards.” 
“The Osprey,” (Pandion haliwetus.) This fine species generally 
lives altogether on fish, and to seize its slippery prey with its 
powerful talons it hesitates not to plunge into rivers and lakes, on 
the borders of which it may therefore be looked for. I have 
described its remarkable conformation of foot, so exactly fitted to 
this purpose, in my paper on the Feet of Birds, (vol. IT., p. 298.) 
So its plumage too, and especially on the under parts of the body, 
is not composed of long feathers, such as we generally see in the 
other members of this family, but is close and firm, like that of the 
waterfowl. Hovering over the waters, with an undulatory motion of 
wing, no sooner has its eagle glance discovered a fish near the surface, 
than down it dashes with the velocity of an arrow, and bearing its 
quivering and slippery but firmly-clutched victim away in its feet, 
retires to some secluded rock, where, unmolested, it can devour it 
at leisure: so deep are its talons embedded in the fish, that it 
seldom cares to relax its hold till the fish is almost consumed, 
picking out the flesh from between its toes with great dexterity. 
Frequently, however, the poor Osprey is not suffered to enjoy its 
hardly-earned prize in peace, for the last-named species, the White 
tailed Eagle, not fitted itself for plunging into the sea, but liking 
to vary its diet of flesh and fowl with an occasional fish, sits on 
some rock or bough a patient but interested spectator of the sport, 
watching the Osprey’s manceuvres and eager for its success: then, 
no sooner has it made a successful pounce, and risen from the 
waters, rejoicing in its prey, than down comes the Eagle in pursuit, 
and gives instant chase: its superior strength and speed usually 
bring success, and though the poor “Fish-hawk” will not sur- 
render its booty without an effort, but rises in circles higher and 
higher, yet encumbered with its burden, it is no match for its 
