rs.

Eagles are very abundant in Switzerland. Although not so powerful as the
great vulture, which also inhabits the lofty mountains, they are bolder
and more enduring. For hours the golden eagle will soar in the air high
above the mountain-tops, and move in wide-sweeping circles with a
scarcely perceptible motion of its mighty wings. When on the hunt for
prey, it is very cunning and sharp-sighted. Its shrill scream rings
through the air, filling all the smaller birds with terror. When it
approaches its victim its scream changes to a quick kik-kak-kak,
resembling the barking of a dog, and gradually sinking until
sufficiently near, it darts in a straight line with the rapidity of
lightning upon its prey. None of the smaller birds and beasts are safe
from its clutches. Fawns, rabbits, and hares, young sheep and goats,
wild birds of all kinds, fall helpless victims, for neither the swiftest
running nor the most rapid flight can avail against this king of the
air.

The strength of the eagle is such that it will bear heavy burdens in its
talons for miles until it reaches its nest, where the hungry little ones
are eagerly waiting the parent's return. Here, standing on the ledge of
rock, the eagle tears the food into morsels, which the eaglets eagerly
devour. It is a curious fact that near an eagle's nest there is usually
a storehouse or larder--some convenient ledge of rock--where the parent
birds lay up hoards of provisions. Hunters have found remains of lambs,
young pigs, rabbits, partridges, and other game heaped up ready for the
morning meal.

[Illustration: EAGLES FIGHTING OVER A CHAMOIS.]

Over its hunting ground the eagle is king. It fears neither bird nor
beast, its only enemy being man. In Switzerland, during the winter
season, when the mountains are snow-bound, the eagle will descend to the
plain in search of food. When driven by hunger, it will seize on
carrion, and even fight desperately with its own kind for the possession
of the desired food. Swiss hunters tell many stories of furious battles
between eagles over the dead body of some poor chamois or other mountain
game.

Eagles are very affectionate and faithful to their little ones as long
as they need care; but once the young eaglets are able to take care of
themselves, the parent birds drive them from the nest, and even from the
hunting ground. The young birds are often taken from the nest by
hunters, who with skill and daring scale the rocky heights du