GOLDEN EAGLE. as 
Time was, and not so long since either, when many even of 
those most rare now, were familiarly met with in almost all parts 
of the country; and Eagles and the Kite and several of the larger 
and more conspicuous Falcons and Hawks were not yet become 
so much like Black Swans, as they are now in so many English 
and even Scottish counties. 
These birds differ, with a marked distinction, from those belong- 
ing to the Vulture-kind; and as much in habits and food and 
power of wing as in appearance, formation, bill and claws, and 
other matters, such as the scientific naturalist notices for the 
purpose of enabling himself and others to distinguish between 
Family and Family, genus and genus, species and species 
Thus, the Vulture’s food is usually carrion ; the Hesh of animals 
killed by other agency than their own, and in numberless in- 
stances in a state of putridity more or less complete. 
The food of the Falcon tribe generally consists of the flesh of 
creatures taken and killed by themselves. I say generally ;—not 
invariably. The Eagles in a state of nature do not disdain to 
gorge themselves on the flesh of a dead sheep for instance, 
although they have had no hand—or rather beak and claw—in the 
death. Still the rule is, and admitting not many exceptions when 
the whole family is considered, that the Falconide hunt for, or 
surprise, and slay their prey for themselves. And very intent on 
this business are they oftentimes, when engaged in discussing the 
meal their craft or still vigilance, or fierce impetuous speed and 
dash has secured for them. Often, too, not a little sleepy and 
heavy are they after having been lucky enough to secure a large 
prey, and greedy enough to stuff themselves full with it. 
The bird which stands at the head of the family and alike 
deserves and does credit to his rank is the 
