132 
THE EAGLE. 
are occasionally overreached by well-contrived plans, 
and at times have been made prisoners by animals 
not surpassing them in size or power. Thus, about 
ten years ago, as a gentlemans groom in. Nottingham- 
shire, was early one morning exercising his masters 
horses, a terrier dog which accompanied him put up 
from a hush a fine Eagle, measuring from tip to tip 
of his wings, nearly eight feet. It flew slowly over 
the hedge into a neighbouring field pursued by the 
dog, who came up with and attacked it before it 
could fairly rise ; a sharp contest took place, during 
which the dog was severely bitten, but gallantly 
persevered in maintaining his hold ; when at length, 
with the assistance of the groom, and a person acci- 
dentally passing by, the bird was finally secured. It 
is not improbable that the Eagle had, during the 
night, been gorging itself with food, after which, 
birds of prey usually become lazy and dull, and un- 
willing to fly, unless roused. Aware of this, in Scot- 
land, the people adopt a mode of catching them, 
which is attended with general success ; or at least was 
in former times, when the country was less inhabited, 
and Eagles more abundant*. 
Four walls are raised to the extent and height of 
a small house or hut, on some heath or common 
where Eagles abound ; and one opening left at the 
foot of the wall sufficiently large to admit of the 
bird's walking in or out. To the outside of this 
opening, a bit of strong cord is fixed, with a noose 
formed at one end. When this has been arranged, 
a piece of carrion is thrown into the enclosure, which 
the Eagle in his range finds out and devours. 
* Statistical Account , vol. xxi. 
