9 
WHITE-TA I LED EAG I ,E. 
The nature of this species and its indolent habits have the effect of rendering it less destructive to 
game than the Golden Eagle. I have never noticed the latter making a meal off any thing but moderately fresh 
prey ; while on more than one occasion I have disturbed the Sea-Eagle from a banquet of braxy mutton that I 
should almost imagine was too far gone to suit the taste of even a Highland shepherd. Whether it is only 
prejudice that sets us degenerate southerners against mutton in this form I am unable to state from personal 
experience, as I never, to my knowledge at least, sat down to a dish. The peculiar and unpleasant odour, 
however, that pervades a dwelling in which a store is hanging is particularly striking to a stranger. It is now 
many years since I first became acquainted with the fact ; but I still retain a vivid recollection of the scene 
and the scent as well. I had gone on a visit to a large sheep-farmer in the west of Perthshire. No sooner had 
I entered the door than I became aware of an indescribable change in the purity of the atmosphere. I was not 
sufficiently new to the district to imagine the drains were out of order ; but for a long time I could find no clue 
to t lie mystery, and I hardly imagined it would be in accordance with good manners to seek an explanation from 
my host. At last I determined, on the first chance that presented itself, to examine the premises myself ; and, 
following a more than usually powerful whiff, I drew on towards the back regions, and eventually found myself 
in a large and what ought to have been an airy kitchen ; but here the all-pervading and oppressive odour was 
stronger still, though every thing looked bright and clean, from the bare-legged lassies to the utensils they were 
scrubbing. Casting my eyes upwards at a number of curious-looking joints hanging from the beams, I was 
proceeding to continue my investigations, when the farmer appeared on the scene. “ Pine stock of hams,” he 
remarked ; and, noticing I hardly comprehended his meaning, lie added, “ aye, grand braxy hams.” Need I say 
that when the hospitable board was spread I was particularly watchful to look to what dishes I was helped? 
and on the earliest opportunity urgent private affairs demanded my presence elsewhere. I subsequently 
discovered I need not have been under the slightest apprehension, as the braxy was the property of some of the 
shepherds who lodged in another part of the establishment. 
These Eagles are also in the habit of searching the shore for any thing that may be cast up by the waves ; 
dead fish or almost any refuse proves acceptable, while now and then the carcass of a seal that has been 
wounded and escaped for a time is washed up ; and this affords the material for a most substantial feast. Gulls, 
Havens, and Crows arc also attracted to the spot ; but each and all are forced to give way when his majesty 
appears on the scene. That the Eagle will satisfy his hunger with food of this description I have not the 
slightest doubt ; but to state that I have seen him feeding on it is hardly in accordance with the facts. Once, 
while watching a mixed party that were gathered round the carcass of a half-grown seal, I noticed the arrival 
of a fine old Sea-Eagle. After circling two or three times over the spot, and putting the whole of the 
assemblage to flight, lie settled on a rock close by, and, shaking his feathers and folding his wings in the most 
careful manner, he took up his position where he was enabled to keep the whole of the hungry birds at a 
distance. Although I remained some time, in order to sec with what sort of an appetite his majesty would 
commence his repast, 1 was doomed to be disappointed. An hour went by without his making the slightest 
movement : at one time bis attention appeared to be attracted by another Eagle which was slowly circling over 
the loch on his way to a distant range of hills ; but lie shortly relapsed into his former condition ; and as’there 
was no knowing how long lie might remain in that state, I was compelled to leave the spot, as many a long and 
weary mile over rough hillsides and marshy glens had to be passed before I reached a place of shelter. °It is 
probable that the Eagle had made a meal earlier in the day, and having noticed the attack that was being made 
on what he had intended to supply his future wants, he had simply taken up a position to preserve his° larder 
from utter ruin. I have frequently noticed birds driving others less powerful than themselves from food they 
did not appear to stand the least in need of. On my next visit to the locality an Eagle, probably the same, was 
making his way from the spot, having evidently been in some manner disturbed by our approach ; and I a-ain 
lost an opportunity of watching him feeding. 
