THE EAGLE. 563 



standards ; and even in modern times we find a representation of this 

 bird filling the same emblematic post in the armies of several 

 European nations. Some, as Austria, instead of one Eagle, adopt 

 two as their allusive emblazonry. 



In consequence of the Eagle mounting up to such prodigious 

 heights the ancients looked upon it as the bird of Jupiter and the 

 messenger of the gods. When Jove, after the withdrawal of Hebe, 

 came down to earth to seek for another cup-bearer, he changed 

 himself into an Eagle, and it was under this shape he carried off 

 Ganymede. 



But we must leave mythology and symbols, and turn our attention 

 to a matter-of-fact description of the great bird of prey. 



In the Eagle the sense of vision is developed to its very highest 

 excellence. Contemplate him hovering majestically among the clouds, 

 and you will be struck with admiration. By an imperceptible motion 

 of his wings he maintains this prodigious height without fatigue. 

 Perceiving a Hazel Hen on the heath below, he folds his wings, and in 

 a few seconds drops down to within a short distance of the ground ; 

 then, with his legs stiffened, he swoops upon his prey, seizes his 

 victim, and carries it away to some adjacent mountain. 



The great strength of the muscles which work the wings of this 

 bird (Fig. 259) will explain the power and long duration of its flight. 



The Eagle is endowed with such an enormous amount of muscular 

 force, that it contends successfully against the most powerful winds. 

 Raymond, the naturalist, who has been styled "the painter of the 

 Pyrenees," relates that, having reached the summit of Mont Perdu, 

 the loftiest peak of that range, he perceived an eagle pass over him 

 at surprising speed, although it was flying against a gale of wind. 



If to the weight of the body of the Eagle we add that of the victim 

 which it clutches in its talons ; if we consider that this victim is often 

 borne by it to considerable distances, and that the Eagle will thus 

 cross the chain of the Alps ; if we also reflect that the prey is not 

 unfrequently a chamois or a sheep, we shall be enabled to form some 

 idea of its strength and muscular power. 



The size of the Eagle varies according to the race, but all attain 

 imposing dimensions. The female of the Golden Eagle measures 

 three feet nine inches from the tip of the beak to the points of the 

 feet, and the spread of its wings is nearly ten feet. In the Imperial 

 Eagle the spread of the wings is only six feet, and in the small 

 Marine Eagle four feet four inches. 



It has been stated that the Eagle can travel sixty-five feet : in a 

 second, which would give a speed of forty-four miles an hour ; but 



K K 2 



