BIRD OF WASHINGTON. 61 



unfit ; but as it is indisputably the noblest bird of its genus that has yet 

 been discovered in the United States, I trust I shall be allowed to honour 

 it with the name of one yet nobler, who was the saviour of his country, 

 and whose name will ever be dear to it. To those who may be curious 

 to know my reasons, I can only say, that, as the new world gave me birth 

 and liberty, the great man who ensured its independence is next to my 

 heart. He had a nobility of mind, and a generosity of soul, such as are 

 seldom possessed. He was brave, so is the eagle ; like it, too, he was the 

 terror of his foes ; and his fame, extending from pole to pole, resembles 

 the majestic soarings of the mightiest of the feathered tribe. If America 

 has reason to be proud of her Washington, so has she to be proud of her 

 . Great Eagle 



In the month of January following, I saw a pair of these eagles flying- 

 over the Falls of the Ohio, one in pursuit of the other. The next day I 

 saw them again. The female had relaxed her severity, had laid aside 

 her coyness, and to a favourite tree they continually resorted. I pur- 

 sued them unsuccessfully for several days, when they forsook the place. 



The flight of this bird is very different from that of the White-headed 

 Eagle. The former encircles a greater space, whilst sailing keeps nearer 

 to the land and the surface of the water, and when about to dive for fish 

 falls in a spiral manner, as if with the intention of checking any retreat- 

 ing movement which its prey might attempt, darting upon it only when 

 a few yards distant. The Fish-hawk often does the same. When rising 

 with a fish, the Bird of Washington flies to a considerable distance, form- 

 ing, in its line of course, a very acute angle with the surface line of the 

 water. My last opportunity of seeing this bird, was on the 15th of No- 

 vember 1821, a few miles above the mouth of the Ohio, when two passed 

 over our boat, moving down the river with a gentle motion. In a letter 

 from a kind relative, Mr W. Bakewell, dated, " Falls of the Ohio, July 

 1819," and containing particulars relative to the Swallow-tailed Hawk 

 {Falcofinratus), that gentleman says : — " Yesterday, for the first time, 

 I had an opportunity of viewing one of those magnificent birds, which 

 you call the Sea Eagle, as it passed low over me, whilst fishing. I shall 

 be really glad when I can again have the pleasure of seeing your draw- 

 ing of it."" 



Whilst in Philadelphia, about twelve months ago, I had the gratifi- 

 cation of seeing a fine specimen of this Eagle at Mr Beano's museum. It 

 was a male in fine plumage, and beautifully preserved. I wished to pur- 



