170 FIFTEEN DAYS ON THE DANUBE. 



and trembling with excitement, I let slip the best moment for 

 firing my second barrel at the eagle, and it was not until the 

 bird was a good way off that I shot, but unfortunately without 

 any result. 



The fact of the fight between the eagle and the vulture 

 having taken place inside the nest, on the back of the sitting 

 vulture was the most interesting part of the whole affair, and 

 if, instead of having witnessed it myself, it had been told me 

 by any other sportsman, I should never have believed it. 



There I had been, too,' hiding under the nest, thinking that 

 both the vultures had left the place, while the faithful mother, 

 heedless of my proximity, had been squatting on her eggs the 

 whole time. 



I can easily understand that everybody will think this tale 

 most incredible ; but on telling it to Brehm,.he very justly 

 said: " How little we know of the rarer birds of prey, confined 

 as they are to these wild districts, where so few people have 

 had an opportunity of observing their habits ; and how many 

 interesting and curious scenes doubtless take place among 

 these raptorial creatures, who, fully conscious of their great 

 strength, fight furiously with each other, either about plunder 

 or their nesting-places." 



I dragged the very unsavoury vulture, as best I could, to 

 the spot where the forester was hidden, and one can hardly 

 believe what a burden such a bird is ; for its broad loose wings, 

 plump body, and its very repulsive character make it seem 

 almost heavier to carry than a gralloched roebuck. 



The forester was also much astonished at what he had seen, 

 for he had an open view from the edge of the clearing, and 

 told me that long before the final battle was fought out at the 

 nest he had observed the Cinereous Vulture and the Eagle 

 struggling in the air, and had noticed their disappearance 

 among the trees, in the direction of my ambush. As we were 

 returning by the same path, along the crest of the mountain, 



