THE GOLDEN EAGLE. 53 



Mode of flying. 



than two families of lions in the same part of the 

 forest. - They separate from each other at such 

 wide intervals,, as to afford ample range for sub- 

 sistence; and esteem the value and extent of 

 their dominion to consist in the abundance of 

 the prey with which it is replenished. 



" The eyes of the eagle have the glare of those 

 of the lion, and are nearly of the same co- 

 lour; the claws are of the same shape; and the 

 cry equally terrible. Destined, both of them, for 

 war and plunder, they are equally fierce, equally 

 bold and untractable. It is impossible to tame 

 them, unless they be caught when in their infan- 

 cy. It requires much patience and art to train a 

 young eagle to the chase ; and after he has at- 

 tained to age and strength, his caprices and mo- 

 mentary impulses of passion are sufficient to 

 create suspicions and fears in his master. Authors 

 inform us that the eagle was anciently used in. 

 the East for falconry ; but this practice is now 

 laid aside : he is too heavy to be carried on the 

 hand without great fatigue ; nor is he ever 

 brought to be so gentle as to remove all suspici- 

 ons of danger. His bill and claws are crooked 

 and formidable : his figure corresponds with his 

 instinct; his body is robust; his legs and wings 

 strong; his flesh hard; his bones firm; his fea- 

 thers stiff; his attitude bold and erect ; his move- 

 ments quick ; his flight rapid. He rises higher 

 in the air than any other of the winged race ; 

 hence he was termed by the ancients the 



