THE EAOLE. 131 



men to ascend. It is constructed with much labour, 

 being about six feet across, and containing more than 

 a cart-load of dry sticks, and the roots of trees. These 

 birds, it is said, never build but one nest, but continue 

 to occupy the same, repairing it from year to year, as 

 long as they live. The nest is not hollow, like those 

 of other birds, but flat on the top. The eggs are only 

 two in number, and it is often the case, that only one 

 of these is hatched. 



The Eagle is often alluded to in the Scriptures, and 

 sometimes in a very interesting and striking manner. 



The 59th chapter of Job contains a description of 

 the habits of this bird, which is wonderfully true and 

 sublime. " Doth the Eagle," says Jehovah to Job, 

 " mount up at thy command, and make her nest on 

 high ? She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon 

 the crag of the rock, and the strong place. From 

 thence she seeketh the prey, and her eyes behold afar 

 off; her young ones also suck up blood, and where 

 the slain are, there is she." 



In this striking description, says Miss Hewlet, are 

 displayed both the wisdom and greatness of the Crea 

 tor, and the insignificance and impotence of man. 

 Man cannot control the movements of the Eagle, nor 

 direct his flight ; nor did he derive from man his de- 

 sire, or strength to soar among the clouds, nor his 

 choice of the inaccessible precipice for his abode. 

 His vigorous frame, his daring temper, and all his in- 

 stincts, are the contrivance and the work of God. 

 The design of the Creator in "directing the Eagle 

 thus to build is obvious. On the brow T of the preci- 

 pice, this king of the feathered race, and this terror of 



