(6H) 
the whole nervous system. Whilst keeping an eye on the wheels, 
when the impediment was nearing, it set up a hoarse kok, kok, kok 
like noise, as a warning to its friends, then nimbly hopped over the 
wheel, which each did in turn, and settled comfortably down till the 
next break on the line arrived. The intelligence displayed by these 
birds was remarkable. One usually looks on Vultures as belonging 
to a low grade type of birds. 
(7) GYPAETUS BARBATUS, Bearded Vulture. This fine looking bird 
is found on the Himalayas, generally at high altitudes. It is often 
seen sailing high up in the air above Darjeeling. Its peculiar shaped 
tail, and large size, makes it readily distinguished when amongst 
eagles and Vultures. 
In the Hill stations on the Western Himalayas, the Lammergeier 
. oe . . 
is commonly called ~ Golden Eagle,” a compliment doubtlessly it must 
appreciate. A closer examination will find that it has a lengthened 
compressed bill, strong and well curved at the tip; narial bristles 
dense and rigid, long below the lower mandibles, which gives the 
bird a bearded appearance ; tail long (wedge) shaped differently 
from the foregoing vultures. Size of this Lammergeier is 46” ; 
wing expanse about 9 feet. Color of the plumage, also helps to 
distinguish it from birds of the same family ; lower parts of the 
body are dull orange ; greater coverts, wings and tail, ashy black ; 
head whitish, with dark streaks ; back black. The Lammergeier is sup- 
posed to carry away lambs, when disposed to do so ; but I can’t quite 
understand how this is done, as its toes are straight and claws, 
though strong, are only moderately curved. This bird does not 
possess the strong grip of eagles, so that, how it carries a burden- 
some lamh, by aid of its stiffish toes is difficult to realise. I have 
seen the Lammergeier beyond Jongri “go for” wild sheep, which are 
to be found among these steeps rocky inclines. If at a favourable 
opportunity a sheep has strayed, or wandered up one of those 
treacherous hights, to a conspicuous place where footholds are un- 
certain ; the Bearded Vulture is generally on the look out, to plunge 
at it, from its coin of Vantage, and hurl the unfortunate and reckless 
climber down, to the solid rocks, nearly a thousand feet below, to 
feed on its mangled remains ; but these sheep are wary and not 
easily caught napping. 
When the dark forest rose. before our view, 
Our hearts were thrilled as when we kneel in preyer, 
There, far aloft, the lonely tose-fir drew 
Its glorious height into the misty air. 
The chestnut’s wide and leafy branches threw 
Their, shadow on the winding pathway, there 
