59 
how the opposing forces of gravity, and the resistance of the 
atmosphere — the first represented by the weight of the bird, 
exerting a constant downward influence ; the second being made 
available by the surface j)resended to its action by the open 
Avings of the bird, and forming the fulcrum against which 
the mechanical force of the wing stroke is directed — hoAv these 
two forces, equalized by the vital force of the bii-d, form the 
resisting media which enable it by muscular action to mount into 
the air. I have next tried to explain briefly, the wonderful 
mechanism by which the Aving is Avorked, the construction of the 
Aving and its various forms, some of the principal forms of pro- 
gression, and the mode in Avhich each is accomplished, and, finally, 
have A'entured a few remarks on the speed acquired by birds, and 
their power of sustained flight. 
Iti conclusion, I cannot help expre.ssing the Avonder and admira- 
tion Avith Avhich this display of the wisdom of the Allwise Creator 
fills my mind, and, I doubt not, the mind of everyone present ; hoAv 
great the contrast betAveen the silent and mighty working of 
natures unchanging laws and the puny efforts of man, Avho with 
all his boasted skill, has not yet been able to construct a machine 
to enable him to navigate the air, and eA^en Avith the bird before 
his eyes has failed to learn its lesson. 
VIII. 
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 
Aqoila crysaetus. Golden Eagle. — The first authentic instance, 
to my knoAvledge, of the appearance of the Golden Eagle in 
Norfolk occurred in November, 1868, under the foUoAving circum- 
stances : — The bird AA'as found dead in the Stiff key Alarshes, by a 
fisherman named Green, Avho communicated the fact to Mr. T. J. 
Mann, my informant, Avho happened to be shooting in that neigh- 
bourhood. That gentleman carefully examined the bird as it lay, 
but finding it too much decomposed for preservation, secured the 
sternum and feet, from Avhich the species Avas readily identified. 
From an examination of one of the feet and from Mr. Mann’s 
