170 
GOLDEN EAGLE. 
south the birds become less frequent. It also 
inhabits North America, but appears to be there 
generally rare, although in the United States, 
according to Audubon, it is frequently seen. In 
the fur countries it again becomes rare ;* and 
the above mentioned naturalist saw a single spe- 
cimen only on the coast of Labrador, “ sailing 
at the height of a few yards above the moss- 
covered surface of the dreary rocks.” f 
In confinement this bird is easily kept, becomes 
tame, or accustomed to its keeper, but never very 
familiar, and, so far as our observations have 
extended, will never partake of carrion, or food 
in a state of putrescence. 
Mr Thompson has, however, made some obser- 
vations which would warrant us to allow a greater 
degree of docility to this bird than we were 
previously inclined to grant it. “ My friend, 
Richard Langtry, Esq. of Fortwilliam, near Bel- 
fast, has at present a bird of this species, which 
is extremely docile and tractable. It was taken 
last summer from a nest in Inverness-shire, and 
came into his possession about the end of Sep- 
tember. This bird at once became attached to 
its owner, who, after having it about a month, 
ventured to give it liberty, — a privilege which was 
not abused, as it came to the lure whenever called. 
Richardson. 
t Ornith. Biog. ii. p. 466. 
