VULTURES. 



317 



the falcon and the kite, precipitate themselves perpendicularly upon their 

 game ; others (the buzzards and the goshawks) attack obliquely or sideways. 

 They are generally silent, and very difficult to tame ; but some of them are 

 trained to hunt on the wing. 



fir 



;^ : ^ 



FIG. 343. GRIFFON VCLTITRE. 



The Vultures ( Vultin}. These birds have a disagreeable aspect and 

 tainted odour ; they are cowardly, and prefer the most putrid carrion to living 

 prey ; and in order to preserve cleanliness while engaged in their filthy ban- 

 quet, by a wise provision their head and neck are denuded of feathers. The 

 power of their talons does not correspond with their size, and they make use 

 of their beak rather than of their claws. They are extremely voracious ; but 

 after they have been completely satiated, they can wait a long time for an 

 opportunity of feeding again. Their sense of smell is acute, and enables them 

 to perceive at immense distances the remains of dead animals, which they seek 

 as food. In hot climates these birds are very useful : they serve to cleanse 

 the streets from putrescent substances, and may be seen parading the towns 



