32 FALCO LEUCOCEPHALUS. ^ 
and supplied with numerous lacteal vessels, which dilf^ 
little from those of men, except in colour, whi(di wa* 
transparent. The kidneys were large, and seated oP 
each side the vertebne, near the anus. They are ala 
de.stined to secrete some offensive principles from tn 
blood. 
“ The eggs were small and numerous ; and, after » 
careful examination, I concluded that no sensible increas 
takes place in them till the particnlar season. This maj 
account for the unusual excitement which prevails m 
these birds in the sexual intercourse. Why there are 
so many eggs, is a mystery. It is, perhaiis, consisten 
with natural law, that every thing should be abundaiil| 
hut, from this bird, it is said, no more than tivo youB^ 
are hatched in a season, conse(|uently, no more eggs or 
wanted than a sufficiency to produce that effect. Ar® 
the eggs numbered originallv, and is there no increi^^ 
of number, hut a gradual foss, till all are deposited- 
If so, the number may correspond to the long life ad 
vie-orous health of this noble bird. Why there is 
two young in a season, is easily explained. Nature 
been sfudiously parsimonious of her physical streuglo' , 
from whence the tribes of animals incapable to rcsiS" 
derive semirity and confidence.” 
The eagle is said to live to a great age — sixty, eighl;’ 
and, as some assort, one hundred years. This circuD*' 
stance is remarkable, when we consider the seeiriid? | 
intemperate habits of the bird. Sometimes fastii'?’ 
through necessity, for several days, and at other tiWj 
goridn"- itself with animal food till its craw swells 
the'’plumage of that part, forming a large protuberam'j 
on the breast. This, however, is its natural food, a" 
for these habits its wlnde organization is particular'; 
.adapted. It has not, like men, invented rich win®” 
ardent spirits, and a thousand artificial poisons, m 
form of soups, sauces, and sweetmeats. Its food 
simple, it indulges freely, uses great exercise, breat"^^ 
the purest air, is healthy, vigorous, and long hr'- 
The lords of the creation themselves might derive so' 
useful hints from these facts, were they not alrea . 
2 
