MATERNAL COURAGE. 



LTHOUGH the Lammergeyer is classed among the Vultures, it little resem- 

 bles those birds of sluggish habits and unattractive form. In place of the 

 bare head, and neck frequently covered with unsightly wattles, or with the 

 skin folded in unseemly wrinkles, the Lammergeyer is fully feathered to the beak, 

 and his piercing eye and trim shape cause him to resemble more the lordly eagle, 

 than the useful though repulsive birds with which he has been ranked. His spread 

 of wing and powers of flight are great ; and this bandit of the air does not 

 hesitate to attack any object that is suitable for food which it may see. So bold 

 is he that man's presence at times causes him no fear. A well-known traveller 

 relates that once when camped at a certain place, during the preparation of the 

 noon-day meal, one of these great birds suddenly alighted near by, and walking up 

 to the kettle thrust his foot into it, and endeavoured to draw out a leg of mutton 

 which was being cooked. The boiling-water, however, was a great surprise to him, 

 he let go his hold, and flew away a short distance to ruminate over the warm 

 reception he had met with. Not satisfied with his repulse, he soon returned again ; 

 and, unmindful of the different persons sitting around, seized upon another piece 

 of meat that was lying almost in their midst, and was killed in the act of carrying 

 it away. 



His actions are ungraceful, and he appears to disadvantage when on the 

 ground, although he walks well, and it is only when launched in his native element, 

 the air, that he moves with grace and freedom. Behold him now, as on outstretched 



