BIRDS. 313 



on the trees of the vicinitj'-, or on the fences which bound the 

 enclosures formed for their cattle."* They differ in size and 

 other particulars from the true or typical Vultures, such as 

 that just mentioned. 



The Condor (^Sarcoraniplms gryphus) represents another 

 group remarkable for the "caruncles" or fleshy appendages 

 of the neck {Fig. 257), somewhat akin to those seen on the 

 Turkey-cock. Beneath is a white ruff 

 of downy feathers, forming the line of 

 separation between the naked skin 

 above and the true feathers covering 

 the body below. At the early part of 

 this century, such exaggerated ideas, 

 respecting the size of this bird, were 

 current, even among naturalists, that 

 it was compared to the Roc of eastern 

 fable. It was reserved for Humboldt 

 to destroy these exaggerated ideas, , Fig . 257.— Condor. • 

 and to reduce its powers and dimen- 

 sions to their true limits. The extent of the wings, when 

 expanded, is usually from nine to eleven feet. Humboldt did 

 not himself see any which exceeded nine : one shot by Mr. 

 Darwin t measured only eight and a half; but it is still said 

 that some attain so great a size as fourteen feet. J Borne on 

 these wide-spreading pinions, the Condor may be seen soaring 

 at an elevation of from ten to fifteen thousand feet above the 

 level of the ocean. One is stated to have been seen by Hum- 

 boldt so high as twenty-two thousand feet. " These birds 

 generally live by pairs ; but among the inland basaltic cliffs 

 of St. Cruz," says Mr. Darwin, " I found a spot where scores 

 most usully haunt. On coming suddenly to the brow of the 

 precipice, it was a fine sight to see between twenty and thirty 

 of these great birds start heavily from their resting-place, and 

 wheel away in majestic circles." He describes their flight as 

 beautiful ; the Condors moving in large curves, sweeping in 

 circles, descending and ascending without once flapping their 

 wings. 



The species of Vulture which seems to form the connecting 

 link between this family and the Eagle, is that which the 



• Yarrell, vol. i. 



t Patagonia. Journal, p. 220. 



X Bennett, " Gardens and ileiiageries." 



