74 



THE CHAMOIS. 



Too cunning to stoop upon the old Chamois, 

 whose sharp, curved horns are presented towards 

 it, the mighty bird endeavors to distract her at- 

 tention and to draw her away from the Kid by 

 feints and stoops only half executed. But the 

 Chamois is too knowing to be lured away from 

 her charge, and then the Vulture changes its 

 tactics, and, darting swiftly by, strives to push 

 with its powerful wings the watchful animal off 

 the narrow ledge, that she may be dashed to 

 pieces upon the rocks below. With legs apart 

 and feet firmly braced, shielding her young be- 

 hind her own body, the fearless Chamois success- 

 fully resists all these attempts ; and then angered 

 at being so foiled, her daring assailant makes a 

 final effort Sailing away and aloft to gaiii impe- 

 tus and strength for the plunge, it mounts above 

 the destined victim, and then, steadying itself for 

 a moment to make sure of its aim, descends with 

 the swiftness of a thunder- bolt. The sharp and 



cruel talons are curved and thrown forward, ready 

 to seize upon the cowering young. But as it 

 clutches at its prey it meets only the armed head 

 and rigid body of the undaunted dam, and is 

 hurled aside as though it had come into collision 

 with a rock. 



Well done, brave mother ! No prouder decora- 

 tion could you wear than that tuft of feathers 

 torn from the breast of your cruel adversary by 

 the curved horn, and the floating plumes borne 

 away on the breeze bear witness to the strength 

 of your resistance. Dismayed, discomfited, de- 

 feated, the enraged Lammergeyer, shrieking its 

 disappointment as it rests for a moment on a 

 neighboring ledge, prepares to seek another prey 

 less vigorously defended, bearing away in its torn 

 plumage evidences of the power which even a 

 comparatively feeble animal may exert when called ■ 

 upon to shield its helpless offspring. 



