oming more and more highly educated,
will be moved by nobler ambition than the mere spirit of gain. I
believe there is such a time in the far future."

The conversation was again directed to the subject of the vultures.
These now formed a flock of at least two hundred; and others were still
arriving upon the ground. As fresh ones came, they would wheel about
for awhile in the air, and then drop down and perch themselves on the
trees and rocks. Some sat crouching with drooping wings, and heads
drawn in--so that their long naked necks were quite concealed under
their ruff-like collars. Others stood erect, with both wings raised
from the body, half unfolded, and held "a-kimbo," as eagles are often
seen, and as they are sometimes represented upon coins and standards.
It is supposed that both vultures and eagles spread their wings in this
fashion to cool themselves when they are too warm, and sun themselves
when too cold--for they do so in cold, as well as warm weather; and in
this attitude they exhibit a singular and rather pleasing picture.

Some of the vultures could be seen descending from the very highest
regions of the air. They could be noted like little specks against the
blue sky, gradually growing larger and larger, until their broad wings
cast moving shadows upon the sunlit sward, as the birds floated spirally
downward. Others were observed approaching in a horizontal direction--
some of them seeming no bigger than sparrows, as they first caught the
eye upon the distant horizon.

"What a distance some of them must have travelled!" remarked Francois;
"and how do you think they know where to come? There was not one in
sight when we killed those big-horns."

"They have been guided by their scent, of course," replied Basil; "they
have great power in that way."

"Not so, brother," interrupted Lucien; "that is one of the errors of
your closet-naturalists--your Buffons and Cuviers--propagated by them,
until it has become proverbial. Strange to say, it is altogether
erroneous. It has been proved that vultures possess the sense of smell
in a less degree even than most other creatures. Dogs and wolves far
excel them in this respect."

"How, then, have they found this carrion, for instance?"

"By their sight--for that sense they possess in a high degree of
perfection."

"But how can that be, Luce?" rejoined Basil. "See! yonder are some
coming from the eastward. Now, as the butte is between them and the