371 



but in no case is the prey touched with the beak or 

 even looked at until all motion in it has ceased. 

 When the eye has guided the descent, and the 

 talons have taken effect, the office of the eye is at 

 an end, and the work of death is committed to in- 

 struments admirably fitted for carrying it into effect. 

 In general the prey is borne off, but in some cases 

 it is devoured on the spot, that taking place of course 

 at those times when the bird has only herself to 

 provide for. 



• " In winter when her pastures are covered with 

 feet or even with fathoms of snow, the Eagle is often 

 for w T eeks together without food. That may be one 

 of the causes (for ail phenomena, whether of birds or 

 of anything else, have causes) why she drives the 

 young not only from the eyrie but from her haunt 

 generally before the intensity of winter sets in; and 

 it is said that she drives them lower down the coun- 

 try, where the chances of food are more numerous. 



" Thus the instinct which we are apt to regard 

 as an unkind one, is the very best adapted for the 

 preservation of all; and the Eagle is, in her way, 

 just as tender a mother as any other animal. As 

 it is necessary for her brood to grow fast and get 

 strong before the inclement season sets in, she is 

 most indefatigable and most successful in supply- 

 ing them with food, and equally daring in the de- 

 fence of them against any intruders, that may have 

 the temerity to invade an Eagle's nest; and when 

 they are so far matured that they can kill prey for 

 themselves, she drives them down where prey is 

 more easily obtained, while she herself remains to 

 brave the winter at the very throne of its dominion. 

 Herein we may see a beautiful instance of that 

 balance of reaction which can be traced through 

 all the works and operations of Nature. Popu- 

 lating and cultivating narrow the bounds and di- 



