CHAPTER XII 
CONCERNING VULTURES 
HERE can be little doubt that the 
A majority of people regard vultures as 
loathsome and repulsive creatures, and although 
it is difficult to say much in favour of their 
general appearance and habits, yet it cannot 
be denied that they render a very important 
service to mankind by acting as scavengers 
and removing refuse and offal which, if left 
exposed to the sun’s rays in a hot climate, 
would become a source of danger to the health 
of human beings in an incredibly short time. 
Indeed, the beneficial work of the birds in 
this respect is regarded as being so great that 
in some countries special laws have been 
passed to afford them protection. 
Most vultures attain to a considerable size, 
and the condor claims the distinction of being 
the largest of all, its outspread wings measuring 
about nine feet from tip to tip. 
Except in the case of the lammergeier or 
bearded-vulture, the head and neck of the 
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