EAGLES. 
229 
like the golden eagle, it was as common at one time of the year as another, though 
we never took a nest.” This account gives an idea that the imperial eagle is a 
noble and courageous bird endowed with considerable fierceness. The experience 
of Mr. Hume in India does not, however, countenance the attribute of these 
qualities; although it is suggested, perhaps humorously, that its deficiencies in 
these respects may be due to the enervating nature of the climate. Mr. Hume 
imperial eagle [\ nat. size). 
says that “ 1 have driven the female off hard-set eggs, and plundered the nest 
before the eyes of the pair, without either flapping a pinion, even to defend what 
even a little shrike will swoop at once to save. I have seen a couple of crows 
thrash one of them soundly ; and, whether it be that familiarity breeds contempt, 
I am bound to record, that after having seen many hundreds, and shot, I daresay, 
a good hundred myself, I look upon the Konigs-adler as no better than a great 
hulking kite.” Contrary to the opinion of Jerdon, the writer adds that in his 
experience this eagle is generally a foul feeder. 
