THE EAGLE. 



107 



well-contrived plans, and at times have been made prisoners 

 by animals not surpass- 

 ing them in size and 

 power. Thus, about ten 

 years ago, as a gentle- 

 man's groom in Notting- 

 hamshire was early one 

 morning exercising his 

 master's horses, a terrier 3 

 dog which accompanied Jj 

 him put up from a bush % 

 a fine Eagle, measuring .ii 

 from tip to tip of his if 

 wings nearly eight feet, ajj 

 It flew slowly over the % 

 hedge into a neighbour- 

 ing field, pursued by the 

 dog, who came up with 

 and attacked it before 

 it could fairly rise ; a Osprey. 



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 accidentally 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 in- 

 habited, 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 

 * Statistical Account, vol. xxi. 



