274 
BLACK VULTURE. 
The account, from the same author, of the beneficial effects 
resulting from the fondness of the Vultures for the eggs of the alli- 
gator, merits attention. 
The Gallinazos are the most inveterate enemies of the alli- 
gators, or rather they are extremely fond of their eggs ; and em- 
ploy much stratagem to obtain them. During the summer, these 
birds make it their business to watch the female alligators ; for it 
is in that season that they deposite their eggs in the sand of the 
shores of the rivers, which are not then overflowed. The Galli- 
nazo conceals itself among the branches and leaves of a tree, so as 
to be unperceived by the alligator, and permits the eggs quietly to 
be laid, not even interrupting the precautions that she takes to 
conceal them. But she is no sooner under the water, than the 
Gallinazo darts upon the nest ; and with its bill, claws, and wings, 
uncovers the eggs, and gobbles them down, leaving nothing but 
the shells. This banquet would indeed richly reward its patience, 
did not a multitude of Gallinazos join the fortunate discovei'er, and 
share in the spoil. 
“ How admirable the wisdom of that Providence, which hath 
given to the male alligator an inclination to devour its own off- 
spring ; and to the Gallinazo a taste for the eggs of the female. 
Indeed neither the rivers, nor the neighbouring fields, would other- 
wise be sufficient to contain the multitudes that are hatched ; for 
notwithstanding the ravages of both these insatiable enemies, one 
can hardly imagine the numbers that remain.^^* 
The abbe Clavigero, in his History of Mexico, has clearly 
indicated the present species, as distinguished from the Turkey- 
buzzard. 
The business of clearing the fields of Mexico, is reserved 
principally for the Zopilots, known in South America by the name 
of Gallinazzi ; in other places, by that of Jlure ; and in some places, 
* Liv. iv, chap, ix, p. 172. 
