CHAPTER XXI. 
EAGLES . 
“ T KNOW that picture,” said Malcolm, looking as 
J- though he anticipated a treat. “ I am so glad 
we have come to the eagle at last!” 
“ I have purposely left him,” replied Miss Harson, 
“ until we finished what may be called the summer 
birds, although there are many, of course, which have 
not been noticed at all. But my plan has been to 
make you acquainted with the common birds around 
us, those you were likely to meet in daily life ; and 
when you are older you will find that these talks will 
prove a pleasant introduction to the regular study of 
ornithology. The eagle properly belongs to the hawk 
family, as he is only a large falcon or bird of prey — 
just as the lion, in spite of the difference in size and 
strength and ferocity, is only a large cat. The eagle, 
too, is the monarch among birds, as the lion is among 
animals, because of its beauty, strength, and swiftness. 
‘ Its claims to majesty are founded on the sharpness 
of its claws, the swiftness of its wings, the terror of 
its beak, and the brightness of its eye.’ ” 
223 
