96 IV/LD SPORTS OF THE HIGHLANDS chap, 



object hanging from the branch of a tree, went to examine 

 what it was, and found the poor bird hanging by his leg, which 

 was firmly held by the trap. The chain and peg had got fixed 

 amongst the branches, and the poor eagle had died miserably 

 from starvation in this position, suspended by the foot. Though 

 certainly the eagles in some localities commit great havoc 

 amongst the lambs, and also destroy the grouse when no larger 

 game offers itself, it would be a great pity that this noble bird 

 should become extinct in our Highland districts, who, notwitb- 

 standing his carnivorous propensities, should be rather preserved 

 than exterminated. How picturesque he looks, and how per- 

 fectly he represents the .genius loci, as, perched on some rocky 

 point, or withered tree, he sits unconcerned in wind and storm, 

 motionless and statue-like, with his keen, stern eye, however, 

 intently following every movement of the shepherd or of the 

 sportsman, who, deceived by his apparent disregard, attempts 

 ■ to creep within rifle-shot. Long before he can reckon on 

 reaching so far with his bullet, the bird launches himself into 

 the air, and gradually sweeping upwards, wheels high out of 

 shot, leaving his enemy disappointed and vexed at having crept 

 in vain through bog and over rock in expectation of carrying 

 home so glorious a trophy of his skill. When intent on his 

 game, the eagle frequently will venture within a short dis- 

 tance of the grouse-shooter or deer-stalker. I have seen him 

 pounce (no, that is not the proper word, for he rather rushes) 

 down on a pack of grouse, and, with outspread wings, he so 

 p\izzles and confuses the birds, that he seizes and carries 

 off two or three before they know what has happened, and 

 in the very face of the astonished sportsman and his dogs. 

 The mountain hare, too, is carried off by the eagle with as 

 much apparent ease as the mouse is borne away by the 

 kestrel. 



The marten and the wild cat are favourite morsels. A 

 tame eagle which I kept for some time killed all the cats about 

 the place. Sitting motionless on his perch, he waited .quietly 

 and seemingly unheeding till the unfortunate animal came withfn 

 reach of his chain. Then down he flew, and surrounding the 

 cat with his wings, seized her in his powerful talons, with one 

 foot planted firmly on her loins, and the other on her throat ; 

 and nothing more was seen of poor Grimalkin except her skin, 



