26 THE ALPINE, OR EGYPTIAN VULTUEE. 



After about half an hour, I saw a Vulture coming down from the sky, followed by two 

 or three others. They came down to the spot where the buck had been killed, and flew 

 past this. They then returned, and again overshot the mark. After circling several 

 times within a radius of four hundn^d yards, they flew away. Other Vultures 

 then came and performed similar manceuvres, but not one appeared to know where 

 the buck was concealed. I then rode off to a greater distance, but the same results 

 occurred. 



In the evening I returned for my buck, wliich, however, was totally useless in 

 consequence of the intense heat of the sun, but which had not been touched by the 

 Vultures." 



Whatever may be the general opinion of the scientific world upon this subject, I 

 cannot but think that we shall not discern the true cause of this food-discovering power 

 in the optic or nasal nerve, or indeed in any material structure whatever. It appears to 

 be simply due to that wonderful intuitive teaching which we popularly call instinct, and 

 which, if rightly examined, will most surely prove a key to many mysteries at present 

 unsolved. 



The colour of the Fulvous Vulture is a yellowish-brown over the greater part of the 

 body. The quill feathers of the tail and wings are nearly black, the ruff surrounding the 

 base of the neck is composed of long and delicately white slender feathers, and the head 

 and neck are sparingly clothed with short white down. 



In its native state the Fulvous Vulture assumes some very curious attitudes, and has the 

 power of altering the contour of its body so completely that it would hardly be recognised 

 as the same bird. At one time it sits upon the branch of a tree in a heavy, indolent 

 manner, its neck hidden in the ruff, and the head just projecting from the feathers. At 

 another time it will be full of life and animation, pacing round the carcass of some animal, 

 tugging furiously at the skin, and snapping fiercely at its companions if they should approach 

 too closely. One remarkable attitude wliich it is fond of assuming is rather difficult to 

 describe, "but has so strange and weird-like an aspect, that it is deserving of mention. 

 While sitting on the ground the Vulture thrusts its legs well to the front, and instead of 

 resting upon the feet, holds them up in the air and sustains the weight of its body upon 

 the tall and ankle-bones. Thus supported, it seems quite at its ease, and reclines with 

 half- spread wings, as if thoroughly enjoying its repose. 



Like others of its tribe, the Fulvous Vulture, when satiated with food, will retire to a 

 neighbouring tree-branch, and sit listlessly with hanging wings, as if to rid its feathers of the 

 putrid animal substance on which it has been feeding. It is very probable that the bird 

 may receive great aid from the yellow feather-dust which is so copiously poured from 

 the short and open quills that are found so abundantly upon this and other similar birds, 

 and that by means of quiet repose, aided by the fresh air and a few hearty shakes, the bird 

 may be able to throw off the powder and the putrefaction together. 



The Alpine, or Egyptian Vultuee, is, as its name imports, an inhabitant of Egypt 

 and Southern Europe. It is also found in many parts of Asia, and as it has once been 

 captured on our shores, has been placed among the list of British birds. 



The general colour of the adult bird is nearly white, with the exception of the quill 

 feathers of the wing, which are dark brown. The face, bill, and legs are bright yellow, so 

 that the aspect of the bird is sufficiently curious. The sexes are clothed alike when 

 adult. On account of the colour of its plumage, the Egyptian Vulture is popularly 

 termed the White Crow by the Dutch colonists, and Akbobas, or White Father, by the 

 Turks. It is also familiarly known by the name of Phaeaoh's Chicken, because it is so 

 frequently represented in the hieroglyphical inscriptions of Egypt. When young, the 

 colour of its plumage is a chocolate brown, the neck and shoulders are covered with 

 grey-tipped feathers, and the beak and feet are a very dull ochry yellow. The white 

 phimage of the adult state is not attained until the bird has completed its third year. 



As is the case with the Vultures in general, the Egyptian Vulture is protected from 

 injury by the strictest laws, a heavy penalty being laid upon any one who should wilfully 

 destroy one of these useful birds. Secure under its human protection, the bird walks 



