170 FIFTEEN DAYS ON THE DANUBE. 
and trembling with excitement, I let slip the best moment for 
firing my second barrel at the eagle, and it was not until the 
bird was a good way off that I shot, but unfortunately without 
any result. 
The fact of the fight between the eagle and the vulture 
having taken place inside the nest, on the back of the sitting 
vulture was the most interesting part of the whole affair, and 
if, instead of having witnessed it myself, it had been told me 
by any other sportsman, I should never have believed it. 
There I had been, too, hiding under the nest, thinking that 
both the vultures had left the place, while the faithful mother, 
heedless of my proximity, had been squatting on her eggs the 
whole time. 
I can easily understand that everybody will think this tale 
most incredible ; but on telling it to Brehm, he very justly 
said:—‘ How little we know of the rarer birds of prey, confined 
as they are to these wild districts, where so few people have 
had an opportunity of observing their habits; and how many 
interesting and curious scenes doubtless take place among 
these raptorial creatures, who, fully conscious of their great 
strength, fight furiously with each other, either about plunder 
or their nesting-places.” 
I dragged the very unsavoury vulture, as best I could, to 
the spot where the forester was hidden, and one can hardly 
believe what a burden such a bird is ; for its broad loose wings, 
plump body, and its very repulsive character make it seem 
almost heavier to carry than a gralloched roebuck. 
The forester was also much astonished at what he had seen, 
for he had an open view from the edge of the clearing, and 
told me that long before the final battle was fought out at the 
nest he had observed the Cinereous Vulture and the Hagle 
struggling in the air, and had noticed their disappearance 
among the trees, in the direction of my ambush. As we were 
returning by the same path, along the crest of the mountain, 
