THE GOLDEN EAGLE. 



It might be supposed, from the name given to this 

 bird, that its appearance resembled the most precious of 

 metals, but this does not exactly accord with the fact. 

 The descriptions given of it by naturalists are various. 

 Latham says, that the head and neck are deep brown ; 

 Fleming affirms, that the acuminated feathers on the 

 head and neck are a bright rust-colour, and the rest of 

 the plumage dusky brown ; while Buffon asserts, that the 

 plumage is at first white, then faint yellow, and that 

 afterwards it becomes a bright copper colour. Still 

 there are cases in which the name is not inapplicable. 

 Mr. Perkins, of Lee, in Kent, possessed an eagle hav- 

 ing the peculiar shade of russet yellow which gold when 

 alloyed with copper exhibits ; so that the feathers look- 

 ed as if they had been powdered with gold dust. Others 

 have been observed as presenting a similar appearance. 

 White varieties of the golden eagle, as it is called, have 

 also been seen and recorded. 



In times far distant it was said, " Doth the eagle 



