WHITE-HEADED EAGLji. 39 



scattered round the tree, and the putrid smell of the nest may be distin- 

 guished at the distance of several hundred yards. The young are at 

 first covered with a thick, whitish, or cream-colored cottony down ; they 

 gradually become of a gray color, as their plumage develops itself, con- 

 tinue of the brown gray until the third year, when the white begins to 

 make its appearance on the head, neck, tail-coverts and tail ; these, by 

 the end of the fourth year, are completely white, or very slightly tinged 

 witli cream ; the eye also is at first hazel, but gradually brightens into 

 a brilliant straw color, with the white plumage of the head. Such at 

 least was the gradual progress of this change, witnessed by myself, on a 

 very fine specimen, brought up by a gentleman, a friend of mine, who 

 for a considerable time believed it to be what is usually called the Gray 

 Eagle, and was much surprised at the gradual metamorphosis. This 

 will account for the circumstance, so frequently observed, of the Gray 

 and White-headed Eagle being seen together, both being in fact the 

 same species, in diff"erent stages of color, according to their difi'^ence 

 of age. 



The flight of the Bald Eagle, when taken into consideration with the 

 ardor and energy of his character, is noble and interesting. Sometimes 

 the human eye can just discern him, like a minute speck, moving in slow 

 curvatures along the face of the heavens, as if reconnoitring the earth 

 at that immense distance. Sometimes he glides along in a direct hori- 

 zontal line, at a vast height, with expanded and unmoving wings, till he 

 gradually disappears in the distant blue ether. Seen gliding in easy cir- 

 cles over the high shores, and mountainous clifi"s, that tower above (he 

 Hudson and Susquehanna, he attracts the eye of the intelligent voya- 

 ger, and adds great interest to the scenery. At the great cataract of 

 Niagara, already mentioned, there rises from the gulf, into which the 

 fall of the Horse-shoe descends, a stupendous column of smoke, or spray, 

 reaching to the heavens, and moving oft' in large black clouds, accord- 

 ing to the direction of the wind, forming a very striking and majestic 

 appearance. The Eagles are here seen sailing about, sometimes losing 

 themselves in this thick column, and again reappearing in another 

 place, with such ease and elegance of motion, as renders the whole truly 

 sublime. 



High o'er the watery uproar, silent seen, 



Sailing sedate, in majesty serene. 



Now midst the pillared spray sublimely lost. 



And now, emerging, down the rapids tossed, 



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 White-headed Eagle is three feet long, and seven feet in extent ; 

 the bill is of a rich yellow ; cere the same, slightly tinged with green ; 



