CH. XXX. TRAINING OF WILD ANIMALS. 153 



CHAPTEE XXX. 



Taming and Education of "Wild Animals— The Eagle ; his want 

 of docility— Courage and Intelligence of the Noble Falcons 

 —The Hound — Return of Cats to their home — Maternal 

 Instinct of Cats — The Carrier-pigeon — Wood-pigeons — 

 Dovecot Pigeons — Sight of Pigeons— Blue -rock Pigeons — 

 Crested Titmouse — The Robin ; pugnacious disposition of — 

 Sparrows ; impudence of. 



Almost every wild animal is more or lese capable 

 of being reclaimed, and rendered, if not of actual 

 use to us, at least an object of interest and amuse- 

 ment. In all attempts to educate them, patience 

 and temper on the part of the teacher is the first 

 requisite. If, fortunately, he be endowed with this 

 important qualification, he will scarcely find any bird 

 or beast so wild or so obstinate " ut non mitescere 

 possit." But some, it must be admitted, scarcely 

 repay the labour bestowed upon them. The eagle 

 can be tamed, but to no great extent. Naturally 

 of a greedy and craving disposition, he is not to be 

 depended upon at all times ; and though he may 

 show a certain degree of affection for his keeper, 

 he can seldom be safely approached by strangers. 

 An eagle, although he may have been trained for 



