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ALMOST HUMAN 
or leg the sensation is like being caught in a vyce, with someone tighten- 
ing up the compression until the bones are pulped. One day Mr, Wilkie 
had the misfortune to discover this for himself. An eagle caught him 
by the ankle, and then it threw itself back on its legs and tail so that it 
could use its free foot to grip any would-be rescuer. It took so long to 
free him from the torturing grip that he suffered from the results for 
months. 
THE PREMIER EAGLE. 
The Australian wedge-tailed eagle is the largest eagle in the world, 
for it beats its famous American cousin by a few inches in measurement 
from tip to tip. There is often controversy as to the biggest eagle ever 
caught, and some have claimed that they have measured their captures 
for as much as eight to nine feet from tip to tip. A great many have 
passed through the gardei>s, and the record width has been seven feet 
three inches, with an average of somewhere between six feet six, and 
seven feet. They are real creatures of the sun, and as long as there 
is sunshine they are happy and contented. Should the weather prophet 
make any attempt to break all flood records, and drench a sodden earth, 
they are easily the most miserable things in the gardens as they sit 
hunched up, staring hopelessly into vacancy, the water dripping cease- 
lessly from each lank feather. 
BISMARCK. 
Eagles are not the best kind of pets to keep. They may be on their 
best behaviour for a long time, but sooner or later their original sin 
will assert itself, with disastrous results to the owner. Many a pet 
eagle has found its way to the Zoo as the next best thing to having its 
neck screwed after such a display of its natural propensities. There are 
two among the flock at the Zoo who have developed a strong liking for 
Mr. Wilkie, and as soon as they hear his step on the gravel they will 
tumble awkwardly down from their perches and hurry noisily and 
clumsily to the fence for a chat, and to escort him to the other end of 
their paddock. One of them is known as Pete, but the oldest and greatest 
favorite suffers from the name of Bismarck, This was originally a 
compliment to the bird of blood and iron, but since the outbreak of war 
it has been a serious drawback to his popularity. All the teaching of 
his friend, however, cannot make him understand that the name of Bis- 
marck is not mentioned in select British circles. He must be called 
'“Bizzy,” or he will not come to greet even the Governor. 
Rabbits are the principal food of our eagles, but they are not averse 
