22 BIRD-HUNTING 



of the way up, where the crag overhung. The 

 owner of the nest, a fine Bonelli's Eagle, then flew 

 off, giving us a good view as she crossed the gorge 

 and disappeared^ 



It was in a perfectly hopeless situation ; for even 

 if we had come provided with a rope long enough, 

 the cliff overhung at this particular spot so far that 

 it would have been impossible for any human being 

 to reach the nest, and we could only gaze at it 

 with interest. It probably contained young, Eagles 

 being very early breeders. All my attempts to 

 photograph the nest, either from the bottom or by 

 climbing up the opposite side as far as possible and 

 using the telephoto lens, were of no avail. Such a 

 strong wind came rushing through the gorge that it 

 was impossible to keep the camera steady. 



We had a hot and weary tramp back, and when 

 our guide invited us, with Spanish politeness, to visit 

 his home and rest en la sombra de la sala de mi 

 casa (in the shade of the hall of my house), we 

 accepted gratefully. 



The ' hall of his house ' we found a very grandilo- 

 quent figure of speech, for the house consisted of 

 but one room with earthen floor ; but the welcome 

 was worthy of a palace, and when they prepared a 

 meal for us we were able to do full justice to it. 

 In a big wooden bowl maize bread was broken up 

 and soaked in water, oil, and vinegar. This was 



