160 



ANIMALS IN 3IENAGERIES. 



SO much accelerated as by this division of labour. It 

 is chiefly, however, to its foreign correspondents and 

 active well-wishers that the Society must look for the 

 acquisition of those species which are not indigenous ; 

 and for those, also, which have not been yet imported alive 

 into this country; ft)r the amount of the annual sub- 

 scription is so small, that the funds of the Society will not 

 admit of expensive purchases from the ordinary dealers 

 in birds ; and a considerable outlay must be made in the 

 erection of suitable aviaries, &c., which are absolutely 

 necessary for ulterior success. We trust, therefore, 

 that our countrymen in all parts of the colonies, as 

 well as those who are residing in foreign climates, will 

 second the objects of the Society, by donations of those 

 domesticated or other birds, wdiich can be procured in 

 the countries where they are now residing,* 



The White-headed Eagle. 



Aquila leucocephalus, Auct. {Fig. 22.) 



This majestic bird is chiefly confined to the colder 

 latitudes of the New World, where it seems to represent 

 the golden eagle ; its appearance in the North of Europe 

 is rare, and probably accidental. Like others of its 

 tribe, the plumage, in youth and in mature age, is essen- 

 tially different. Until the third year, the general colour 

 is uniform brown ; it then begins to show a few white 

 feathers on the head ; and finally, by the end of the 

 fourth year, the whole head, neck, and tail becomes 

 pure white. Eminently distinguished by all the strength, 

 the courage, and the tyranny of his congeners ; and ac- 

 customed, in his native wilds, to soar in mid air, plunge 

 into the falhng cataract, and give chase to others less 



* Communications may be addressed to Harry Chester, Esq., Hon. 

 Secretary, at the Society's Rooms, Pall Mall, London. 



