O ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS. 



great length of time the increased weight of the atmo- 

 sphere and the warmer temperature of the lower world. 

 On such occasions it rarely perches on the branches of 

 the trees, but generally takes up a position on the 

 ground, for resting on which its comparatively straight 

 talons are peculiarly fitted. It is said that the female 

 bird builds no nest, but deposits its eggs upon the bare 

 rock without protection of any kind. These eggs are 

 stated to be perfectly white and three or four inches 

 in length. The female is also said to remain with her 

 young for a whole year. 



The habits of the Condor partake of the bold ferocity 

 of the Eagle and of the disgusting filthiness of the 

 Vulture. Although, like the latter, it appears to prefer 

 the dead carcase, it frequently makes war upon a living 

 prey ; but tlie gripe of its talons is not sufficiently firm 

 to enable it to carry off its victim through the air. 

 Two of these birds, acting in concert, will frequently 

 attack a Puma, a Llama, a Calf, or even a full grown 

 Cow. They will pursue the poor animal with unwea- 

 ried pertinacity, lacerating it incessantly with their 

 beaks and talons, until it falls exhausted with fatigue 

 and loss of blood. Then, having first seized upon its 

 tongue, they proceed to tear out its eyes^ and com- 

 mence their feast with these favourite morsels. The 

 intestines form the second course of their banquet, 

 which is usually continued until the birds have gorged 

 themselves so fully as to render themselves incapable 

 of using their wings in flight. The Indians, who are 

 well acquainted with this effect of their voracity, are 

 in the habit of turning it to account for their amuse- 

 ment in the chase. For this purpose they expose the 

 dead body of a horse or a cow, by which some of the 

 Condors, which are generally hovering in the air in 

 search of food, are speedily attracted. As soon as the 

 birds have crlutted themselves on the carcase, the 



