THE GOLDEN EAGLE. I7l 



encounter and repel attacks to which he is unaccus- 

 tomed. We all know that even the delicately-formed 

 roe can inflict such blows upon the fox, as to make him 

 pretty quickly relinquish his designs against her kid. 

 Once on the ground, much of the eagle's formidability 

 is gone ; and a roe, with her back against a rock, or even 

 if quite free, might impart with her fore-feet such a 

 well-directed stroke on her winged assailant, as to make 

 him hesitate : and a second, given with her wonted 

 quickness, adding to his confusion, cause him to retreat 

 more punished than, at first sight, might appear pos- 

 sible. A roe-buck, waiting for the favourable moment, 

 would inflict with his sharp horns a deadly wound : a 

 chamois also. If there be an opportunity of dealing 

 one blow, or giving one home-thrust, the eagle's victory 

 is already doubtful ; and, knowing this, an act of depre- 

 dation, when he does commit it, must be quick and 

 sure. 



A case in point occurred at Berchtesgaden. An eagle 

 was wheeling in the air, waiting for an opportunity to 

 carry off a chamois kid ; but the doe, aware of the 

 danger that threatened her offspring, stood over it, 

 completely covering it with her body. Though she 

 trembled violently in every limb, she still kept her 

 head turned upwards in the direction of the robber, 



tacking him, although so near her young, she suddenly swerved and 

 flew off, affrighted by his presence. 



