74 Mr. Peabody on the 
near our lakes and larger rivers or the shores of the 
sea, are acquainted with its towering flight and its 
solemn cry, which, impressive as it is, in the midst 
of desolation, is nevertheless, like that of all other 
eagles, so harsh and discordant as to leave without 
excuse the excise officers of Bristol, in England, who 
detained a couple which Colonel Montague had im- 
ported, under the act which imposed a duty on sing- 
ing birds. | 
The manner in which this eagle subsists, though 
not creditable to its morals, is strongly illustrative of 
its power; and as power and oppression are apt to be 
united in human beings, we cannot wonder that the 
same alliance should exist in birds. It stands perch- 
ed on some tree, from which it commands a wide 
view over the waters, where it waits in gigantic 
repose, its wings lifted, as if keeping time with the 
heaving sea. It seems to look with calm unconcern 
on the numberless birds that are sporting or gather- 
ing food upon the waves ; but all the while its bright 
eye is fixed upon the industrious fish-hawk, which, 
unconscious of danger, is quietly gathering food for 
his young. The moment he reappears from his 
plunges, whitening the sea with foam, the eagle 
launches forth from his resting place, pursues him 
with force and rapidity even greater than his own; 
and when, after whecling in broad circles and trying 
every art and effort to escape, the hawk is compelled, 
as a last resource, to let fall his prey, the eagle bal- 
ances a moment, as if to make sure its aim, then 
shoots down like an arrow, and secures its prey be- 
fore it touches the wave. ‘These exhibitions excite 
