388 
EAGLE. 
very common in the northern parts of America, 
where they endure the severest winter, and prey 
upon young seals, which they seize floating and 
carry out of the water. They abound below the 
falls of Niagara, where they frequently make a rich 
repast upon the carcases of bears and other ani- 
mals, which are so frequently carried away by the 
stream, and precipitated down while attempting to 
cross the river above this tremendous cataract. 
Du Pratz mentions a scarce species of eagle 
found in America, which is entirely white, except 
the tips of the wings, which are black. The wing 
feathers of this bird bear a high price among the 
natives of Louisiana, who use them to adorn the 
calumet, or pipe of peace. This instrument is de- 
corated by different nations with the feathers of 
different birds, and for this purpose they always 
choose the most beautiful. We learn from Mr. 
Pennant, that the calumet is of the first importance 
among the Americans. It is nothing more than a 
pipe, whose bowl, says Du Pratz, is generally 
made of a soft red marble ; the tube of a very long 
reed, ornamented with the wings and feathers of 
birds. No affair of consequence is transacted with- 
out the calumet. It ever appears in meetings of 
commerce, or exchanges ; in congresses for deter- 
mining of peace or war ; and even in the very fury 
of a battle. The acceptance of the calumet is a 
mark of concurrence with the terms proposed, as 
the refusal is a certain mark of rejection. Even in 
the rage of a conflict this pipe is sometimes offer- 
