318 INTEODTJCTION TO ZOOLOGY. 



From the small number of Eagles we possess, compared 

 with that of most other native birds, we consider ourselves 

 fortunate in having, on one occasion, come suddenly upon 

 four Eagles, amid their own wild haunts. It was in September, 

 1833, when ascending Mangerton mountain, at the Lakes of 

 Killarney, near to the little lake called the " Devil's Punch- 

 bowl," we found four of them preying on a full-grown sheep. 

 They rose majestically into the air as we approached. The 

 people who were with us supposed the sheep, being perhaps 

 sickly, had been killed by the Eagles. The flesh of the neck 

 was completely removed, although that of every other part 

 was untouched. We were assured that two Eagles will 

 occasionally pursue a Hare, one flying low, coursing it along 

 the ground, the other keeping perpendicularly above the 

 terrified animal. When the lowest Eagle tires, they change 

 places, and pursue the same system of tactics, until the Hare 

 is completely wearied out. We were told the same circum- 

 stance a few days afterwards, near Tralee, and again near 

 Monasterevan. Our informant, in every instance, stated the 

 fact as having fallen under his own knowledge, and not as a 

 matter of hearsay. 



The nest or eyrie of the Eagle is associated in our minds 

 with highly poetic imagery;* but it is regarded in a different 

 light by those who live in the vicinity, and suffer by the 

 predatory habits of its inmates. By them it is viewed as the 

 abode of the spoiler, and the nursery of a future race of aerial 

 tyrants. Various means for its destruction are accordingly 

 resorted to ; among others, that of lowering a lighted brand 

 into the nest. This was the plan pursued on one occasion at 

 Roshen, County Donegal : the nest was consumed, three 

 unfortunate Eaglets fell scorched and dead to the ground, 



-" I was born so high, 



Our aiery buildeth on the cedar's top, 



And dallies with the wind, and scorns the sun." 



Richard III. Act i. scene 3. 



-" The Eagle and the Stork 



On cliffs and cedar tops their e^'ries build." 



Paradise Lost, Book vii. 



" When the proud name on which they pinnacled 

 Their hopes is breathed on, jealous as the Eagle 

 Of her high aiery." 



Marino Faliero, Act v. scene 1. 



