THE FARMER AT HOME. 



449 



Israel during the reign of Solomon, that Judah and Israel dwelt safe- 

 ly, every man under his vine and under his fig-tree, from Dan even 

 to Beersheba. The vine is supposed to have been introduced into 

 Britain at the commencement of the Christian era ; and history 

 amply proves that for a long series of years, vineyards were very com- 

 mon in the southern parts of that island, and that the quantity of 

 wine produced from them was so great as to be considered one of the 

 staple products of the land. The culture of the vine in our country 

 is increasing ; but only in a few places has it yet become a source of 

 profit for wine. When the facility and ease with which it can be 

 made a source of pecuniary gain is better understood, its culture will 

 be greatly extended, there is no doubt ; for we have soil and climate 

 in abundance adapted to its growth. 



VULTURE. 



VULTURE. The vulture here represented in the cut is larger 

 than an eagle, and possesses amazing strength. Its head and neck 

 are without feathers, and are covered only with a very slight down or 

 a few scattered hairs. The vulture is deficient in all the noblei 

 qualities of the eagle ; and rivals it only in size, strength, and rapacity. 

 This bird is cruel, unclean, and indolent ; and its very appearance is 

 filthy and disgusting. In Egypt, vultures are usually seen in com- 

 pany with wild dogs of the country, tearing a carcass with the utmost 

 deliberation and apparent good will to each other. This singular 

 association is the more remarkable, as both are extremely rapacious, 



