BLACK VULTURE. 25 



"The Gallinazos are the most inveterate enemies of the alli- 

 gators, or rather they are extremely fond of their eggs; and 

 employ much stratagem to obtain them. During the summer, 

 these birds make it their business to watch the female alligators; 

 for it is in that season that they deposite their eggs in the sand 

 of the shores of the rivers, which are not then overflowed. The 

 Gallinazo conceals itself among the branches and leaves of a tree, 

 so as to be unperceived by the alligator, and permits the eggs 

 quietly to be laid, not even interrupting the precautions that she 

 takes to conceal them. But she is no sooner under the water, 

 than the Gallinazo darts upon the nest; and with its bill, claws, 

 and wings, uncovers the eggs, and gobbles them down, leaving 

 nothing but the shells. This banquet would indeed richly re- 

 ward its patience, did not a multitude of Gallinazos join the 

 fortunate discoverer, and share in the spoil. 



" How admirable the wisdom of that Providence, which hath 

 given to the male alligator an inclination to devour its own off- 

 spring; and to the Gallinazo a taste for the eggs of the female. 

 Indeed neither the rivers, nor the neighbouring fields, would 

 otherwise be sufficient to contain the multitudes that are hatched ; 

 for notwithstanding the ravages of both these insatiable enemies, 

 one can hardly imagine the numbers that remain."* 



The abbe Clavigero, in his History of Mexico, has clearly 

 indicated the present species, as distinguished from the Turkey- 

 buzzard. 



"The business of clearing the fields of Mexico, is reserved 

 principally for the Zopilots, known in South America by the 

 name of Gallinazzi; in other places, by that of Jlure; and in 

 some places, though very improperly, by that of ravens. There 

 are two very different species of these birds; the one, the Zopilot, 

 properly so called, the other called the Cozcaquauhtli: they are 

 both bigger than the raven. These two species resemble each 

 other in their hooked bill and crooked claws, and by having 

 upon their head, instead of feathers, a wrinkled membrane, 



* Liv. iv, chap, ix, p. 172. 

 VOL. I. F f 



