136 THE EAGLE. 



a small house or hut, on some heath or common 

 where Eagles abound; and one opening left at the 

 foot of the wall sufficiently large to admit of the 

 bird's walking in or out. To the outside of this 

 opening, a bit of strong cord is fixed, with a noose 

 formed at one end. When this has been arranged, 

 a piece of carrion is thrown into the enclosure, which 

 the Eagle in his range finds out and devours. 

 Having eaten voraciously, it becomes stupified, and 

 unwilling or unable to fly at once upwards, and 

 consequently walks slowly and leisurely out at the 

 opening left for it; and the cord with its noose being 

 fitly contrived, and well placed for the purpose, 

 catches hold of and strangles it. 



In Xorth America, they are much sought after 

 and prized by the Indians, who are constantly on 

 the look-out for them. Sometimes a hole is dug 

 and slightly covered, and there, in a manner buried, 

 a hunter will patiently watch, day after day, with a 

 bird in his hand, to entice an Eagle within reach. 

 At other times a deer is killed, and a covert made 

 near it, where equal^ patience is displayed, till a 

 successful shot secures the prize; and a prize indeed 

 he is to these Indians, who hold him in such vene- 

 ration, from the qualities they esteem above all 

 others amongst their own renowned warriors and 

 chieftains, namely unwearied perseverance, activity, 

 watchfulness, undaunted courage, and, lastly, patience 

 in suffering privations. There is something, too, in 

 his appearance, which strikes the untutored minds 

 of these savages as denoting superiority over all 

 other birds; his look and movements so dignified, 

 and his rapid and downward flight, attended with a 



