BLACK VULTURE 



109 



The account, from the same author, of the beneficial effects 

 resultmg from the fondness of the Vultures for the eggs of the al- 

 ligator, merits attention. 



" The Gallinazos are the most inveterate enemies of the alli- 

 gators, or rather they are extremely fond of their eggs ; and em- 

 ploy much stratagem to obtain them. During the summer, these 

 birds make it their business to watch the female alligators ; for it 

 is in that season that they deposit their eggs in the sand of the 

 shores of the rivers, which are not then overflowed. The Galli- 

 nazo conceals itself among the branches and leaves of a tree, so 

 as to be unperceived by the alligator; and permits the eggs quietly 

 to be laid, not even interrupting the precautions that she takes to 

 conceal them. But she is no sooner under the water, than the 

 Gallinazo darts upon the nest; and with its bill, claws, and wings 

 uncovers the eggs, and gobbles them down, leaving nothing but 

 the shells. This banquet would indeed richly reward its patience, 

 did not a multitude of Gallinazos join the fortunate discoverer, 

 and share in the spoil. 



" How admirable the wisdom of that Providence, which hath 

 given to the male alligator an inclination to devour its own off- 

 spring ; and to the Gallinazo a taste for the eggs of the female. 

 Indeed neither the rivers, nor tfie neighboring fields would other- 

 wise be sufficient to contain the multitudes that are hatched ; for 

 notwithstanding the ravages of both these insatiable enemies, one 

 can hardly imagine the numbers that remain." ^ 



The abbe Clavigero, in his History of Mexico, has clearly 

 indicated the present species, as distinguished from the Turkey- 

 buzzard. 



" The business of clearing the fields of Mexico, is reserved 

 principally for the Zopilots^ known in South America by the name 

 of Gallinazzi; in other places, by that of Aiire; and in some places, 



* Liv. \y, chap, ix, p. 172. 



VOL. IX. 



E e 



