BIRDS OF PREY. 



65 



large, broad, and decidedly rounded, the fourth quill exceeding the rest in length ; the tail is of 

 moderate size, and composed of fourteen stiff and rounded feathers ; exceptional instances however 

 occur, in which the second quill of the wings is the longest, and the tail formed of but twelve feathers. 

 The legs are powerful, but the toes are weak and the talons short, blunt, and but slightly curved, 

 making it at once evident that the feet of the Vulture are not much employed in seizing its prey. In 

 most respects the internal structure of these birds resembles that of the Falcons ; the following excep- 

 tions, however, are worthy of notice. The neck being longer they have more cervical vertebra?, and 

 those of the tail are proportionately broader. The breast-bone is also comparatively low, and the 



m 





VULTURES FEASTING. 



gullet terminates in a crop of great size, which, when filled, projects like a bag from beneath 

 the throat. 



It has always been the custom to speak of the Vultures as most revolting members of the 

 feathered tribes, whose faculties and powers are on a par with their disgusting occupation. That, in 

 the order of Nature, to these birds has been assigned the "scavenger work" is true; nevertheless, in 

 the perfection of the organisation by which they are adapted to the discharge of their important 

 duties, they bear comparison with the most highly-endowed members of the order. They rival the 

 Eagle in their powers of sight and hearing, although they are far from equalling that bird in intelli- 

 gence. Their disposition is violent but cowardly, and, moreover, exhibits so much stupidity as to 

 vol, n. — 48 



