276 
FALCO LEUCOCEPHALtTS. 
it sometimes measures the same in depth, it bein^ 
occupied for a great number of years in succession, and 
receiving some augmentation each season. When 
placed in a naked tree, between the forks of the 
branches, it is conspicuously seen at a great distance,. 
The eggs, which are from two to four, more commonly 
two or three, are of a dull white colour, and equally 
rounded at both ends, some of them being occasionally 
granulated. Incubation lasts for more than three weeks j? 
but I have not been able to ascertain its precise dura- 
tion, as I hare observed the female on different occa- 
sions sit for a few days in the nest, before laying the 
first egg. Of this I assured myself by climbing to the 
nest every day in succession, during her temporary 
absence, — a rather perilous undertaking when the bird 
is sitting. 
“ I have seen the young birds when not larger than 
middle sized pullets. At this time, they are covered 
with a soft cottony kind of down, their bill and legs 
appearing disproportionately large. Their first plumage 
is of a grayish colour, mixed with brown of different 
depths of tint; and before the parents drive them off 
from the nest, they are fully fledged. I once caught 
three young eagles of this species, when fully Hedged, 
by having the tree on which their nest was, cut 
down. It caused great trouble to secure them, as 
they could fly and scramble much faster than any of 
our party could run. They, however, gradually became 
fatigued, and at length were so exhausted as to offer 
no resistance, when we were securing them with cords. 
This happened on the border of Lake Pontchartrain, in the 
month of April. The parents did not think fit to come 
within gun-shot of the tree while the axe was at work. 
“ The attachment of the parents to the young is very 
great, when the latter are yet of a small size ; and to 
ascend to the nest at this time w r ould be dangerous. 
But as the young advance, and, after being able to take 
■wing and provide for themselves, are not disposed to 
fly off, the old birds turn them out, and beat them aw^ay 
from them. They return to the nest, however, t# 
