BLACK VULTURE. Ly 
upwards. The latter, though found in the vicinity of towns, 
rarely ventures within them, and then always appearing cau- 
tious of the near approach of any one. It is not so impatient 
of cold as the former, and is likewise less lazy. The black vul- 
ture, on the ground, hops along very awkwardly ; the turkey 
buzzard, though seemingly inactive, moves with an even gait. 
The latter, unless pressed by hunger, will not eat of a carcass 
until it becomes putrid; the former is not so fastidious, but de- 
vours animal food without distinction. 
It is said that the black vultures sometimes attack young 
pigs, and eat off their ears and tails; and we have even heard 
stories of their assaulting feeble calves, and picking out their 
eyes. But these instances are rare: if otherwise, they would 
not receive that countenance or protection which is so univer- 
sally extended to them in the States of South Carolina and 
Georgia, where they abound. 
‘This undescribed species,” says Mr Bartram, “is a native 
of the maritime parts of Georgia and of the Floridas, where 
- they are called carrion crows. They flock together, and feed 
upon carrion, but do not mix with the turkey buzzard (Vultur 
aura). Their wings are broad, and round at their extremities. 
Their tail, which they spread like a fan when on the wing, is 
remarkably short. They have a heavy, laborious flight, flap- 
ping their wings, and sailing alternately. The whole plumage 
is of a sable or mourning colour.” * 
In one of Mr Wilson’s journals, I find an interesting detail 
of the greedy and disgusting habits of this species ; and shall 
give the passage entire, in the same unadorned manner in 
which it is written. 
“ February 21, 1809.—Went out to Hampstead + this fore- 
noon. A horse had dropped down in the street in convulsions, 
and dying, it was dragged out to Hampstead, and skinned. 
The ground, for a hundred yards around it, was black with 
carrion crows; many sat on the tops of sheds, fences, and houses 
* MS. in the possession of Mr Ord. 
+ Near Charleston, South Carolina. 
