MATERNAL COURAGE. 53 



Too cunning to stoop upon the old chamois, whose sharp, curved horns 

 are presented towards it, the mighty bird endeavours to distract its attention 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 power- 

 ful wings the watchful animal off the narrow ledge, that it may be dashed to 

 pieces upon the rocks below. With legs apart and feet firmly braced, shielding 

 its young behind its own body, the fearless chamois successfully resists all these 

 attempts ; and then, angered at being so foiled, its daring assailant makes a final 

 effort. Sailing away and aloft to gain impetus 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 cower- 

 ing 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 decoration 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, defeated, the enraged Lammergeyer, shriek- 

 ing its disappointment as it rests for a moment on a neighbouring 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. 



