32 
EALCO LEUCOCEPIIALU3. 
and supplied with numerous lacteal vessels, which differ 
little from those of men, except in colour, which was 
transparent. The kidneys were large, and seated on 
each side the vertebrae, near the anus. They are also 
destined to secrete some offensive principles from the 
Mood. 
“ The eggs were small and numerous ; and, after a 
careful examination, I concluded that no sensible increase 
takes place in them till the particular season. This may 
account for the unusual excitement which prevails in 
these birds in the sexual intercourse. Why there are 
so many eggs, is a mystery. It is, perhaps, consistent 
with natural law, that every thing should be abundant ; 
hut, from this bird, it is said, no more than two young 
are hatched in a season, consequently, no more eggs are 
wanted than a sufficiency to produce that effect. Are 
the eggs numbered originally, and is there no increase 
of number, but a gradual loss, till all are deposited ? 
If so, the number may correspond to the long life and 
vigorous health of this noble bird. Why there is but 
two young in a season, is easily explained. Nature has 
been studiously parsimonious of her physical strength, 
from whence the tribes of animals incapable to resist, 
derive security and confidence.” 
The eagle is said to live to a great age — sixty, eighty, 
and, as some assert, one hundred years. This circum- 
stance is remarkable, when we consider the seeming 
intemperate habits of the bird. Sometimes fasting, 
through necessity, for several days, and at other times 
gorging itself with animal food till its craw swells out 
the plumage of that part, forming a large protuberance 
on the breast. This, however, is its natural food, and 
for these habits its whole organization is particularly 
adapted. It has not, like men, invented rich wines, 
ardent spirits, 'and a thousand artificial poisons, in the 
form of soups, sauces, and sweetmeats. Its food is 
simple, it indulges freely, uses great exercise, breathes 
the purest air, is healthy, vigorous, and long lived. 
The lords of the creation themselves might derive some 
useful hints from these facts, were they not already, 
2 
