94 
WHITE-HEADED, OR BALD EAGLE. 
immeasureable expanse of forests, fields, lakes, and ocean, 
deep below him, he appears indifferent to the little localities 
of change of seasons ; as, in a few minutes, he can pass from 
summer to winter, from the lower to the higher regions 
of the atmosphere, the abode of eternal cold, and thence 
descend, at will, to the torrid, or the arctic regions of the 
earth. He is, therefore, found at all seasons, in the countries 
he inhabits ; but prefers such places as have been mentioned 
above, from the great partiality he has for fish. 
In procuring these, he displays, in a very singular manner, 
the genius and energy of his character, which is fierce, con- 
templative, daring, and tyrannical, — attributes not exerted but 
on particular occasions, but, when put forth, overpowering all 
opposition. Elevated on the high dead limb of some gigantic 
tree that commands a wide view of the neighbouring shore 
and ocean, he seems calmly to contemplate the motions of the 
various feathered tribes that pursue their busy avocations 
below, — the snow-white Gulls slowly winnowing the air; the 
busy Tringce coursing along the sands ; trains of Ducks 
streaming over the surface ; silent and watchful Cranes, intent 
and wading ; clamorous Crows ; and all the winged multitudes 
that subsist by the bounty of this vast liquid magazine of 
nature. High over all these hovers one, whose action instantly 
arrests his whole attention. By his wide curvature of wing, 
and sudden suspension in air, he knows him to be the Fish 
Hawk, settling over some devoted victim of the deep. His 
eye kindles at the sight, and, balancing himself, with 
half opened wings, on the branch, he watches the result. 
Down, rapid as an arrow from heaven, descends the distant 
object of his attention, the roar of its wings reaching the ear 
as it disappears in the deep, making the surges foam around. 
At this moment, the eager looks of the Eagle are all ardour ; 
and, levelling his neck for flight, he sees the Fish Hawk once 
more emerge, struggling with his prey, and mounting in the 
air with screams of exultation. These are the signal for our 
hero, who, lanching into the air, instantly gives chase, and soon 
gains on the Fish Hawk ; each exerts his utmost to mount above 
