CLASS-BOOK OF ZOOLOGY. 7l 



nose, like the bill of the Eagle, was considered an indi- 

 cation of courage. The Eagle was also called the king 

 of birds, on account of the tyranny with which he treats 

 them. 



§ 273. The image of the Eagle is still seen upon the 

 sceptres of kings. It surmounted the standards of the 

 Roman, and in modern times those of the French armies. 



§ 274. An Eagle was the principal figure in the arms 

 of the Roman Emperors ; and when the Roman empire 

 was divided into that of the East, and that of the West, 

 the Eagle was represented with two heads, a figure 

 still seen in the arms of the Emperor of Austria. 



§ 275. The Owl (Strix) is a bird of prey, distinguished 

 by having a large round head, very large eyes, and feet 

 covered with feathers. 



\ 276. Owls live in forests, ruins, and steeples ; feed 

 on rats, mice, and small quadrupeds ; and are active only 

 at night, when, by their lugubrious sounds, they terrify 

 the ignorant and superstitious. 



5 277. The fact that owls, when seen flying in the 

 daytime, are always followed by a number of small 

 birds, suggested the idea of catching birds by their assist- 

 ance. This is practised principally in Italy. 



\ 278. For catching small birds by the assistance of 

 the Owl, it is necessary to tie a tamed owl upon a one- 

 legged stool, in such a manner that it can fly up to the 

 distance of four feet. This stool is fastened in the 

 ground near a wood, or in a garden ; around it, at a 

 certain distance, are placed a number of thin sticks, 

 covered with birdlime. As soon as the owl is seen, 

 the birds approach and seat themselves upon the sticks : 

 in this manner several hundreds are sometimes caught in 

 a single day. 



QUESTIONS ON SECT. XTV.| 



§257. What are birds of prey? 



§258. How do birds of prey feed? 



§ 259. Where are birds of prey found ? 



§ 260. What is singular in birds of prey in regard to their size and color 



§261. How is the Condor distinguished? 



§262. What is the external character of the Condor? Describejit 



§263. Why does the Condor excite surprise? 



§264. In what respect does the Condor surpass all other birds J 



