THE KING OF THE BIRDS. 125 
that the turkey had not been placed on the 
American banner, instead of the eagle, as he 
considered him by far the most respectable 
bird. 
CHAPTER XIIL 
THE KING OF THE BIRDS. 
The birds I have been describing to you are 
all birds of the forest, and live in its deep 
solitude, and nestle in the foliage of its lofty 
trees. 
But it would not be paying proper respect 
to the royal eagle, the king of the birds, to 
leave him out, though he does not always 
make his abode there. His nature leads him 
to mount upwards, as if to the sun, and he 
soars aloft to a vast height, and surveys the 
forest stretched at his feet; and yet so piercing 
is his sight, that from his exalted position, 
where he looks a mere speck, he can clearly 
discern the animal or bird that will suit his 
appetite; and pounces down upon it, with 
unerring certainty. 
His keen vision and strength of wing 
