12 
CATIIARTES ATRATUS. 
likewise less lazy. The black vulttire, on the o;rouin1< 
hops along very awkwardly ; the turkey buzzard, thongi* 
seemingly inactive, moves with an even gait. The lattcti 
unless pres.sed by hunger, will not eat of a carca.ss until 
it becomes putrid ; the former is not so fastidious, hut 
devours atiimal food without distinction. 
It IS said that the hla<;k vultures sometimes attack 
young pigs, and eat off their ears and tails ; and 
have even heard stories of their assaulting feeble culvc' 
and picking out their eyes. But these instances iU"® 
rare : if otherwise, they would not receive that countC' 
nance or protection which is so universally exteudcl 
to them, in the states of South Carolina and GeorgiUi 
where they abound. 
“ This undescrihed species,” says Mr B.artram, “ 
a native of the maritime parts of Georgia and of th^ 
Floridas, tvliere they are called carrion crows. They 
flock together, and feed upon carrion, hut do not mik 
with the turkey buzzard, (vultur aura.) Their wings af^ 
broad, and round at their e.vtremities. Their tail, which 
they spread like a fan Avhen on the wing, is remarkably 
short. They have a heavy, laborious flight, flappiusT 
their wings, and sailing alternately. The wiiole plumage 
IS ot a sable, or mourning colour.”* 
journals, I find an interesting 
detail ot the greedy and disgusting habits of tliis species i 
and shall give the passage entire, in the same uuadoructi 
manner in which it is written. 
“ February 21, 1809. — Went out to Hampsteadf thi-' 
forenoon. A horse had dropped down in the street, iu 
convulsions ; and dying, it ivas dragged out to HaWP' 
stead, and skinned. The ground, fiir a hundred varnh 
around it, was black with carrion croivs; many sat oU 
the tops of sheds, fences, and houses within sight ; sixty 
or eighty on the opposite .side of a small run. I couute‘l 
at one time two hundred and thirty-seven, but I belief® 
* IMS. in tKe possc'^sion of I^fr Onl. 
f Near Charleston, South Carolina 
