WHITE-HEADED EAGLE. 



99 



" testines were also large, long, convolute and supplied with nu- 

 " merous lacteal vessels, which differ little from those of men, ex- 

 " cept in color, which was transparent. The kidneys were large, 

 " and seated on each side the vertebrae, near the anus. They 

 are also destined to secrete some offensive principles from the 

 "blood. 



" The eggs were small and numerous ; and after a careful 

 " examination, I concluded that no sensible increase takes place in 

 " them till the particular season. This may account for the unu- 

 " sual excitement which prevails in these birds in the sexual inter- 

 " course. Why there are so many eggs is a mystery. It is per- 

 " haps consistent with natural law, that every thing should be 

 " abundant; but from this bird, it is said, no more than two young 

 " are hatched in a season, consequently no more eggs are wanted 

 " than a sufficiency to produce that effect. Are the eggs numbered 

 " originally, and is there no increase of number, but a gradual loss 

 " till all are deposited ? If so, the number may correspond to the 

 " long life and vigorous health of this noble bird. Why there is 

 " but two young in a season is easily explained. Nature has been 

 " studiously parsimonious of her physical strength, from whence 

 " the tribes of animals incapable to resist, derive security and con- 

 "fidence.'' 



The Eagle is said to live to a great age, sixty, eighty, and as 

 some assert, one hundred years. This circumstance is remark- 

 able, when we consider the seeming intemperate habits of the bird. 

 Sometimes fasting, through necessity, for several days, and at other 

 times gorging itself with animal food till its craw swells out the 

 plumage of that part, forming a large protuberance on the breast. 

 This, however, is its natural food, and for these habits its whole 

 organization is particularly adapted. It has not like men invent- 

 ed rich wines, ardent spirits, and a thousand artificial poisons in 

 the form of soups, sauces and sweetmeats. Its food is simple, it 

 indulges freely, uses great exercise, breathes the purest air, is heal- 



