EAGLES. 229 



like the golden eagle, it was as coiiiinon at one time of the year as another, though 

 we never took a nest." This account gives an idea that the imperial eagle is a 

 noble and courageous bird endowed with considerable fierceness. The experience 

 of Mr. Hume in India does not, however, countenance the attribute of these 

 qualities ; although it is suggested, perhaps humorously, that its deficiencies in 

 these respects may be due to the enervating nature of the climate. Mr. Hume 



IMl'KKIAL EAGLE (i nat. Size). 



says that " 1 have driven the female off hard-set eggs, and plundered the nest 

 before the eyes of the pair, without either flapping a pinion, even to defend what 

 even a little shi'ike will swoop at once to save. I have seen a couple of crows 

 thrash one of them soundly ; and, whether it be that familiarity breeds contempt, 

 I am bound to record, that after having seen many hundreds, and shot, I daresay, 

 a good hundred myself, I look upon the Konigs-adler as no better than a great 

 hulking kite." Contrary to the opinion of Jerdon, the writer adds that in his 

 experience this eagle is generally a foul feeder. 



