Flora and Fauna 



1872 



HoLLEY, GEORGE W. Niagara: its history and geology, incidents 1872 

 and poetry. . . . N. Y.: Sheldon. 1872. Pp. 125-128. Hollcy 



In the preface the author tells us that the " greater part of the historical 

 narrative was read before the Buffalo Historical Society in February 

 1871; and the geological portion with some modifications, before the 

 American Association for the Advancement of Science in August of the 

 same year" 



Previous to the war of 1812, the Niagara river abounded in 

 swans, wild geese and ducks. Since that war none of the former 

 have been seen here, except two pairs which came at different 

 times. One of each pair went over the Falls and was taken out 

 alive but stunned. The other two, faithful unto death, were shot 

 while watching and waiting for the return of their mates. 



Eagles have always been seen in the vicinity, and a few have 

 been captured. A single pair for many years had their eyrie in 

 the top of a huge dead sycamore tree near the head of Burnt 

 Ship Bay. It was interesting to watch the flight of the male bird 

 when he left it and his brooding mate on a foraging expedition. 

 Leaving the topmost limb that served as his home observatory, 

 he swept around in a large horizontal circle, which formed the 

 base of a regular spiral curve, in which he rose to any desired 

 height. Then, having apparently determined by scent or sight, 

 or by both, the direction he would take in a tangent, he sailed 

 grandly off to the destined point. How grandly too, on his return, 

 he floated on to his lofty perch with a single fold of his great 

 wings, and sat for a few moments, motionless as a statue, before 

 greeting his queenly mate. . . . The noble family, not 

 liking the intrusion of their human neighbors, sought a new home 

 some years since. 



Before the war of the Rebellion, Niagara was rather a favor- 

 ite resort of that general winged-scavenger, the crow, and at times, 

 in what seemed to be a western emigration, they were very numer- 

 ous. But after the first year of the war they entirely disappeared. 

 Snuffing the battle from afar they turned instinctively to the 



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