THE EAGLE. 121 



before it could fairly rise ; a sharp contest took place, 

 during which the dog was severely bitten, but gallantly 

 persevered in maintaining his hold; when at length, 

 with the assistance of the groom, and a person accident- 

 ally passing by, the bird was finally secured. It is not 

 improbable that the Eagle had, during the night, been 

 gorging itself with food, after which birds of prey usually 

 become lazy and dull, and unwilling to fly, unless roused. 

 Aware of this, in Scotland, the people adopt a mode of 

 catching them which is attended with general success ; 

 or at least was in former times, when the country was 

 less inhabited, and Eagles more abundant*. 



Four walls are raised to the extent and height of a 

 small house or hut, on some heath or common where 

 Eagles abound ; and one opening left at the foot of the 

 wall sufficiently large to admit of the bird's walking in 

 or out. To the outside of this opening, a bit of strong 

 cord is fixed, with a noose formed at one end. When 

 this has been arranged, a piece of carrion is thrown into 

 the enclosure, which the Eagle in his range finds out 

 and devours. Having eaten voraciously, it becomes 

 stupefied, and unwilling or unable to fly at once up- 

 wards, and consequently walks slowly and leisurely out 

 at the opening left for it ; and the cord with its noose 

 being fitly contrived, and well placed for the purpose, 

 catches hold of and strangles it. 



In North America, they are much sought after and 

 prized by the Indians, who are constantly on the look- 

 out for them. Sometimes a hole is dug and slightly 

 covered, and there in a manner buried, a hunter will 

 patiently watch, day after day, with a bird in his hand, 

 to entice an Eagle within reach. At other times a deer 

 is killed, and a covert made near it, where equal patience 

 is displayed, till a successful shot secures the prize ; and 

 a prize indeed he is to these Indians, who hold him in 

 such veneration, from the qualities they esteem above 



* Statistical Account, vol. xxi. 



