PLATE II 

 GOLDEN EAGLE. Aquila chrysaetus 



June i6th, 1896. Eagle's nest at Lochbuie, Mull. I returned to the eyrie 

 after four weeks' absence, and found the Eaglet had grown considerably. The 

 nest was filled with rowan leaves and a large fresh branch of beech leaves, 

 and the larder consisted of one large blue hare, remains of two leverets, two 

 grouse beautifully plucked and cleaned, and one young thrush. The Eaglet 

 was quite pugnacious, and snapped his bill and pecked at me. 



I carried the Eaglet home with me after photographing it. It weighed 

 7> Ibs. I had great difficulty in rearing it until it was fully fledged, for as 

 long as it was in the downy stage it refused all food, and I had to cram a 

 certain amount down its throat daily. Once it got its feathers it became quite 

 reasonable, and would eat its food readily. I kept it for nearly a year, and it 

 grew very tame and was a most amusing pet, though a trifle unmanageable 

 at times, especially when it took to striking at one with its sharp talons. 

 At the time of writing I believe it is comfortably housed at Blairgowrie, 

 as I had to give it away on my return to town. 



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