THE CONDOR, 377 



sweeps ihrougii the rarefied atmosphere without any perceptible 

 vibratory motion of his wings. ' Near Lima,' says Mr Darwin, 

 ' I watched several condors for nearly half an horn- without once 

 taking off my eyes. They moved in large curves, sweeping in 

 circles, descending and ascending without once flapping. As 

 they glided close over my head, I intently watched from an 

 oblique position the outlines of tlie separate and terminal 

 feathers of the wing ; if there had been the least vibratory 

 movement these would have blended together, but they were seen 

 distinct against the blue sky. The head and neck were moved 

 frequently and apparently with force, and it appeared that the 

 extended wings formed the fulcrum on which the movements of 

 the neck, body, and tail acted. If the bird wished to descend, 

 the wings were for a moment collapsed, and then, when again 

 expanded with an altered inclination, the momentum gained by 

 the rapid descent seemed to urge the bird upwards with the 

 even and steady movement of a paper kite.' 



Like other vultures, the condor feeds only upon dead carcases, 

 or on new-born lambs and calves, whom he tears from the side 

 of their mothers. He thus does so much damage to the herds, 

 that the shepherds pursue and kill him whenever they can. As 

 even a bullet frequently glances off from his thick feathery coat, 

 the natives never use fire-arms for his destruction, but make 

 use of various traps, of the sling, or of the bolas, which they are 

 able to throw with marvellous dexterity. 



In the Peruvian province of Abacay, an Indian provided 

 with cords conceals himself under a fresh cow's skin, to whicli 

 some pieces of flesh are left attached. The condors soon pounce 

 upon the prey, but while they are feasting, he fastens their legs 

 to the skin. This being accomplished, he suddenly comes forth ; 

 and the alarmed birds vainly flap their wings, for other Indians 

 hurry towards them, throw their mantles- or their lassos over 

 them, and carry the condors to their village, where they are re- 

 served for the next -bull fight. For a full week before this 

 spectacle is to take place, the bird gets nothing to eat, and is 

 then bound. upon the back of a bull which has previously been 

 scarified with lances. The. bellowing of the poor animal, lace- 

 rated by the famished vulture, and vainly striving to cast off 

 its tormentor, amuses what may well be called the ' swinish 

 multitude.' 



