18 HABITS AND INSTINCTS OP ANIMALS. CHAP. I. 



this bird discovers a nest of honey, it flies eagerly to 

 the first person it can find, and by its chirping and 

 fluttering invites him to follow, faithfully leading him 

 to the spot, watching whilst he takes possession of the 

 treasure, and patiently waiting for that portion which 

 is always left by the African hunters as a reward to 

 their feathered guide. 



(21.) The address which the secretary eagle evinces 

 in fighting with a serpent, has been thus described by 

 an eye-witness : " The battle was obstinate, and 

 conducted with equal address on both sides. But the 

 serpent, feeling the inferiority of his strength, in 

 his attempt to flee and regain his hole, employed that 

 cunning which is ascribed to him ; while the bird, 

 guessing his design, suddenly stopped him and cut off 

 his retreat, by placing herself before him at a single 

 leap. On whatever side the reptile endeavoured to 

 make his escape, his enemy was still found before him. 

 Then, uniting at once bravery and cunning, he erected 

 himself boldly to intimidate the bird ; and, hissing 

 dreadfully, displayed his menacing throat, inflamed eyes, 

 and a head swelled with rage and venom (fig. 3.). Some- 



times this threatening appearance produced a momentary 

 suspension of hostilities , but the bird soon returned 

 to the charge, and, covering her body with one of her 



