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FALCO LEUCOCEPHALUS. 
estimate of the descriptive powers of these two eminent 
individuals : — 
“ The figure of this noble bird is well known throughout 
the civilized world, emblazoned as it is on our national 
standard, which waves in the breeze of every clime, 
bearing to distant lands the remembrance of a great 
people living in a state of peaceful freedom. May that 
peaceful freedom last for ever ! 
“ The great strength, daring, and cool courage of the 
white-headed eagle, joined to his unequalled power of 
flight, render him highly conspicuous among his brethren. 
To these qualities, did he add a generous disposition 
towards others, he might be looked up to as a model of 
nobility. The ferocious, overbearing, and tyrannical 
temper which is ever and anon displaying itself in his 
actions, is nevertheless best adapted to his state, and 
was wisely given him by the Creator, to enable him to 
perform the office assigned to him. 
“ To give you, kind reader, some idea of the nature of 
this bird, permit me to place you on the Mississippi, 
on which you may float gently along, while approaching 
winter brings millions of water fowl on whistling wings, 
from the countries of the north, to seek a milder climate 
in which to sojourn for a season. The eagle is seen 
perched, in an erect attitude, on the highest summit of 
the tallest tree, by the margin of the broad stream : His 
glistening but stern eye looks over the vast expanse : 
He listens attentively to every sound that comes to his 
quick ear from afar, glancing now and then on the 
earth beneath, lest even the light tread of the fawn 
may pass unheard : His mate is perched on the opposite 
side, and, should all be tranquil and silent, warns him 
by a cry to continue patient: At this well known call 
the male partly opens his broad wings, inclines his body 
a little downwards, and answers to her voice in tones 
not unlike the laugh of a maniac : The next moment 
he resumes his erect attitude, and again all around is 
silent : Ducks of many species, the teal, the widgeon, 
the mallard, and others, are seen passing with great 
rapidity, and following the course of the current ; but 
