184 ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS. 



threw off a similar dust, excepting that on them it was 

 brown. He imagined that this powder was contained 

 in the tubes of the feathers, from which it was emitted 

 upon pressure ; and that it was a peculiar provision of 

 nature to enable the birds of those alpine regions to 

 withstand the rigours of the climate. It is more pro- 

 bable, however, that this appearance, which has not 

 been noticed by any other writer, was merely the result 

 of the change of plumage which the Vulture had just 

 undergone ; the powder in question being in reality 

 notliing more than the original pelhcle of the feathers 

 separating from them in minute particles, as is usual 

 when they have attained their perfect growth. 



In captivity the manners of the Bearded Vulture are 

 the same as those of others of its tribe. The indivi- 

 dual now in the Gardens is an adult bird in fine con- 

 dition. It was formerly confined in the Tower, and was 

 figured in " The Tower Menagerie ;" but, as was there 

 mentioned, it had not then attained its perfect plumage. 





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