NATURAL HISTORY. 217 



For when I see how they do mount on hie, 



Wavinp their outstretched wing.s with libertie, 



Then do I think, how bird-like in a cage TMiRROR FOR 



My life I leade, and grief can never swage." MAGISTRATES. 



CLASS II. AVES. 



ORDER I. ACCIPETRES. 



647. Why is the first order of birds called accipetres 



From the Latin ad and capio to seize. The name has been 

 applied to this order to denote the rapacious character of its 

 members. From the same root we derive accipitrine, as the 

 accipitrine order of birds, or the rapacious order. The name 

 implies takers by force, 



The accipetres have a hooked bill, the upper mandible near the 

 base being extended on each side beyond the inferior. The genera 

 include the vulture, the falcon or hawk, and the strix or owl, &c. 



648. Why do birds of prey buUd their nests upon lofty and 

 barren rocks* 



Their predatory nature seems to impel them to a species of 

 isolation ; they are the banditti of creation ; and, like them, 

 they affect the wildest retreats from which to issue, and hunt 

 down their prey. 



An elevated situation gives them a better view of their quarry ; 

 and the barrenness of the soil protects their eggs from the reptiles 

 which would make them their prey. 



Cliffs overhanging the sea, deep lakes or rivers, afford to them 

 facilities for taking fish, of which the falcon tribe in particular 

 are very fond. 



649. Why are the legs and thighs of birds of prey shorter and 

 more robust than those of other species f 



It is by means of these chiefly that they strike and hold their 

 prey ; the shortness and muscular development of the lower 

 extremities giving greater power to their possessor in the use of 

 the other members. 



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