EAGLES. 



229 



like the golden eagle, it was as common at one time of the year as another, though 

 we never took a nest." This account gives an idea that the imperial eagle is a 

 noble and courageous bird endowed with considerable fierceness. The experience 

 of Mr. Hume in India does not, however, countenance the attribute of these 

 qualities ; although it is suggested, perhaps humorously, that its deficiencies in 

 these respects may be due to the enervating nature of the climate. Mr. Hume 



IMPERIAL EAGLE ( nat. Size). 



says that " 1 have driven the .female off hard-set eggs, and plundered the nest 

 before the eyes of the pair, without either flapping a pinion, even to defend what 

 even a little shrike will swoop at once to save. I have seen a couple of crows 

 thrash one of them soundly ; and, whether it be that familiarity breeds contempt. 

 I am bound to record, that after having seen many hundreds, and shot, I daresay, 

 a good hundred myself, I look upon the Konigs-adler as no better than a great 

 hulking kite." Contrary to the opinion of Jerdon, the writer adds that in his 

 experience this eagle is generally a foul feeder. 



