96 



WHITE-HEiVDED EAGLE 



in fact the same species, in different stages of color, according to 

 their difference of age. 



The flight of the Bald Eagle, when taken into consideration 

 with the ardor and energy of his character, is noble and interest- 

 ing. Sometimes the human eye can just discern him, like a mi- 

 nute speck, moving in slow curvatures along the face of the hea- 

 vens, as if reconnoitring the earth at that immense distance. Some- 

 times he glides along in a direct horizontal line, at a vast height, 

 with expanded and unmoving wings, till he gradually disappears 

 in the distant blue ether. Seen gliding in easy circles over the 

 high shores and mountainous cliffs that tower above the Hudson 

 and Susquehanna, he attracts the eye of the intelligent voyager, 

 and adds great interest to the scenery. At the great cataract of 

 Niagara, already mentioned, there rises from the gulf into which 

 the falls of the Horse-shoe descends, a stupendous column of smoke, 

 or spray, reaching to the heavens, and moving off in large black 

 clouds, according to the direction of the wind, forming a very 

 striking and majestic appearance. The Eagles are here seen sail- 

 ing about, sometimes losing themselves in this thick column, and 

 again re-appearing in another place, with such ease and elegance 

 of motion, as renders the whole truly sublime. 



High o'er the watery uproar, silent seen. 

 Sailing sedate in majesty serene. 

 Now midst the pillar'd spray sublimely lost, 

 And now, emerging, down the rapids tost. 

 Glides the Bald Eagle, gazing, calm and slow 

 O'er all the horrors of the scene below ; 

 Intent alone to sate himself with blood. 

 From the torn victims of the raging flood. 



The White-headed Eagle is three feet long, and seven feet in 

 extent; the bill is of a rich yellow; cere the same, slightly tinged 



