70 



ORNITHOLOGY. 



I first observed the condor in the higher valleys of the Cordilleras. 

 Subsequently, I repeatedly observed it among the Amancaes Moun- 

 tains, near Lima ; occasionally, along the sea-shore, and once saw not 

 less than twenty perched together on the ground, near the city just 

 mentioned. 



" The flight, or rather the sailing of the condor is exceedingly ma- 

 jestic, and frequently so slow that its progression is scarcely perceptible ; 

 the bird, in the meantime, is perfectly motionless, and apparently makes 

 no exertion whatever, unless to turn its head or incline its tail in chang- 

 ing its course. In this manner, the condor proceeds slowly through the 

 valleys, often sailing within a short distance of the ground, and appar- 

 ently little regarding the presence of man. At times, however, it soars 

 to a great height. 



There is a peculiarity in the flight of this bird which T do not 

 remember to have seen noticed, which is, that the primaries are spread 

 out and more reflexed than in any other bird that I have observed, and 

 almost gives to the fully expanded wing a dislocated aspect. I have 

 never seen it flap its wings, except on arising from the ground. 



" The condor was said by the inhabitants to feed only on recently 

 dead animals." 



But the most interesting of Dr. Pickering's notes relate to an ad- 

 venture with a condor, near Banos, in the Andes, to which an excursion 

 was made, from Callao, by several of the naturalists and artists connected 

 with the Expedition. We shall, however, continue to transcribe from his 

 journal : 



" Banos is at the limit of cultivation, and contains perhaps a couple 

 of dozen of scattering houses and a church. The ravine in which it is 

 situated is very narrow, and its bordering mountains are very much 

 elevated, and so rugged and steep that, as one of our party observed, 

 it almost appeared that the cattle grazing on their sides would fall off. 



" Having concluded to remain here for the day, we separated into 

 two parties, Messrs. Rich and Agate directing their steps down a 

 stream of water, and Mr. Breckenridge and myself taking another 

 direction. We ascended some distance on the heights to the left, 

 and met with some success in collecting plants. Having become sepa- 

 rated from ray companion, I continued ascending leisurely, principally 

 observing the plants by the way, and the acclivity gradually became 

 steeper, until by noon I had reached a very considerable elevation. 

 About this time, I noticed a condor sailing down the valley, in its 



