THE GRIFFON VULTURE. 



VVLTVR FVLVVS. BrISS. 



There are few prejudices more deeply rooted in our 

 nature than that which delio'hts in investino- the animal 

 creation with the feelings and the passions of mankind. 

 We speak of the generosity of the Lion and the meek- 

 ness of the Lamb, the magnanimity of the Eagle and 

 the simplicity of the Dove, as if the peculiar instincts 

 manifested by each of these animals were the result of 

 an impulse similar to that which actuates the human 

 mind. But the truth is, that the qualities thus desig- 

 nated, in so far as they actually exist, are nothing more 

 than the natural and necessary consequences of the 

 animals' organization, specially fitted in each particular 

 case for the performance of a special office, and con- 



BIRDS. H 



