BIRDS. 63 



for the support of so large a bird ; it m jasures two feet in breadth 

 on the greater quills, and sixteen inches on the lesser ; the longest 

 primaries are twenty inches in length, and upwards of one inch in 

 circumference where they enter the skin ; the broadest secondaries 

 are three inches in breadth across the vane ; the scapulars are very 

 large and broad, spreading from the back to the wing, to prevent 

 the air from passing through ; another range of broad flat feathers, 

 from three to ten inches in length, also extends from the lower part 

 of the breast to the wing below, for the same purpose ; between 

 these lies a deep triangular cavity; the thighs are remarkably 

 thick, strong, and muscular, covered with long feathers pointing 

 backwards, usually called the femoral feathers ; the legs, which are 

 covered half way below the knee, before, with dark, brown downy 

 feathers, are of a rich yellow, the color of ripe Indian corn ; feet, 

 the same ; claws, blue-black, very large and strong, particularly the 

 inner one, which is considerably the largest ; soles, very rough and 

 warty ; the eye is sunk under a bony, or cartilaginous projection, 

 of a pale yellow color, and is turned considerably forwards, not 

 standing parallel with the cheeks ; the his is of a bright straw color, 

 pupil black. 



The male is generally two or three inches shorter than the fe- 

 male ; the white on the head, neck, and tail being more tinged 

 with yellowish, and its whole appearance less formidable ; the 

 brown plumage is also lighter, and the bird itself less daring than 

 the female, a circumstance common to almost all birds of prey. 



The eagle is said to live to a great age, sixty, eighty, and, as 

 some assert, one hundred years. This circumstance is remarkable, 

 when we consider the seeming intemperate habits of the bird, 

 sometimes fasting, through necessity, for several days, and at other 

 times gorging itself with animal food till its craw swells out the 

 plumage of that part, forming a large protuberance on the breast. 

 This, however, is its natural food, and for these habits its whole or- 

 ganization is particularly adapted. Its food is simple, it indulges 

 freely, uses great exercise, breathes the purest air, is healthy, 

 vigorous, and long lived. 



THE RING-TAILED EAGLE. This noble bird, in strength, spirit, 

 and activity, ranks among the first of its tribe. It is found, though 

 sparingly dispersed, over the whole temperate and arctic regions, 

 particularly the latter ; breeding on high, precipitous rocks, always 

 ^referring a mountainous country. 



The ring-tailed eagle measures nearly three feet in length ; the 



