70 CLASS-BOOK OF ZOOLOGY. 



and sheep, but also horned-cattle, and even the Cougar, 

 winch he pursues and tortures until the animal falls ex- 

 hausted to the ground. 



§ 264. The Condor, when domesticated, surpasses all 

 other birds in courage, docility, quick perception, good- 

 humor, and attachment to his keeper, with whom he plays 

 like a young dog. 



§ 265. The Turkey-buzzard (Vultur Aura) is two feet 

 long, of a black color, and an inhabitant of the warmer 

 countries of North America. 



\ 266. The female of this bird forms a nest in a hollow 

 tree, where she lays, on the rotten wood, from two to four 

 eggs, of a white color, with blackish spots. 



\ 267. Turkey-buzzards feed only on carrion, and their 

 sense of smelling is so exquisite, that they can perceive it 

 at the distance of several miles. They eat so immoder- 

 ately that frequently they are incapable of rising, and may 

 be caught in this condition without difficulty. 



\ 268. The Turkey-buzzard is cherished on account of 

 its usefulness in devouring putrid bodies ; and in many 

 countries they are protected by laws imposing a fine on 

 persons who deprive them of life. 



§ 269. As the skin of all the Buzzards is covered with 

 a very fine down, the rich among the Tartars, Turks, and 

 Persians use silk gowns lined with it. The skin is pre- 

 pared principally in Cairo, by tanning it with the down on, 

 after removing the feathers. The skin of our Turkey- 

 buzzards could be prepared in the same manner. 



§ 270. Birds of prey whose bills begin to be crooked at 

 their origin, are called Hawks ; and those whose bills are 

 crooked only at the point, are called Eagles. 



\ 271. Hawks were formerly much used for hunting. 

 Falconry, for so this species of hunting was called, was a 

 favorite amusement of sovereigns and the nobility, and 

 even of ladies. A person of rank scarce stirred out with- 

 out his hawk on his hand, which was the criterion of no- 

 bility. 



\ 272. The ancients had a great idea of the Eagle. 

 They represented him as the armor-bearer of Jupiter, 

 holding the lightning in his talons ; and to have a hooked 



