AMERICAN VULTURES. 
269 
commonly happens, have been killed by the pumas. I believe, from what I saw in 
Patagonia, that they do not on ordinary occasions extend their daily excursions to 
any great distance from their regular sleeping-places. The condors may often be 
seen at a great height, soaring over a certain spot in the most graceful circles. On 
[Copyright iS92 , by Chas. Scribner’s Sons.] 
GAUCHOS LASSOING CONDORS. 
some occasions I am sure that they do this only for pleasure, but on others, the 
Chileno countryman tells you that they are watching a dying animal, or the puma 
devouring its prey. If the condors glide down, and then suddenly all rise together, 
the Chileno knows that it is the puma which, watching the carcase, has sprung 
out to drive away the robbers. Besides feeding on carrion, the condors frequently 
