THE BEARDED VULTURE.

THERE are many kinds of vulture, of which the one
before us is among the largest. The vultures are in
their way very useful, performing the part of scavengers,
and destroying much refuse, which would otherwise,
doubtless, become very prejudicial. This has the effect
of making themselves unpleasant; but as they enjoy
their own life, and are useful to man, it need not be
at all regarded.

The chief external mark of difference between the
vultures and the eagles is that the heads and necks of
the former are bare of feathers. Their eyes also are
placed more forward; their claws are Jess hooked and
shorter, not being required for the purpose of grasping
or catching their food; the way in which they stand is
less upright; their flight is not so swift and powerful;
and they are less active and bold in their manners and
habits.

The vulture has the faculty of perceiving its food at
an extraordinarily great distance, whether through the
organ of scent or some other sense entirely unknown
to us cannot be determined. Its sight also appears to
be very quick. This is thus referred to in the book of
Job:—“There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and
which the vulture’s eye hath not seen.”—Job, xxviii. 7.
They seem to assemble on a sudden from every quarter
of the sky, attracted to their focd; and this is alluded
to in Isaiah, xxxiv. 15, where it is said, “There shall
the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.”
On one occasion it is related that a hog having been