season.

THE VULTURE.

THE Vulture is found in the southern parts of America, in Egypt, and Arabia. It usually dwells in hot countries, and amid the towering mountains or rugged cliffs, which are not accessible to man; though it frequently descends and spends much time in the plains below, in search of food. Far removed from all intrusion, this bird retires during the brooding

It builds no nest, but lays its eggs and hatches its young on the naked summit of the rocks.

There are about ten species of birds belonging to the Vulture family; but as they so nearly resemble each other in their habits, a general description of one will give a good idea of all. They vary somewhat in size and colour in different countries, but are usually about four feet in length, and of a brown colour, verging toward a black. The wings, when spread, are nearly nine feet in extent, and the bird will weigh about twelve pounds.

Some

The Vulture is an ugly and a filthy bird. Lambs, kids, and sometimes small children, are carried away and devoured by them. of the species live only on the bodies of dead animals, and never molest anything alive; others feed upon reptiles, and are particularly fond of snakes. This bird is endowed with a remarkable power of scenting its food. In Egypt and other eastern countries they are deemed so useful, that no person is allowed to kill them, under the penalty of a fine. They are thus protected and valued for the good they do in the streets of towns and cities.

The Vulture is the crocodile's enemy. In South America this

animal grows to an enormous size, and is so ferocious as to attack land animals that come within its reach. Even man frequently falls its victim. The vulture, however, prevents them from increasing rapidly in numbers, by destroying its eggs.

Vultures may be easily distinguished from eagles by the nakedness of their heads and necks, which are without feathers, and only covered with a very slight down. Their eyes are more prominent, and their claws are shorter and less hooked than the eagle's.

THE BIRD OF PARADISE.

THE Bird of Paradise has the bill straight, compressed, strong and smooth; its nostrils are covered with feathers of a velvety or metallic lustre; and its plumage is remarkably splendid. They live in Japan, China, Persia, and various parts of India; but are supposed to be originally natives of New Guinea. They were formerly believed to live on dew-a poetical conception. The great Bird of Paradise is of a cinnamon hue; throat golden green or yellow; side feathers very long and floating; length from the end of the bill to the end of the real tail, about twelve inches, but to the end of the long feathers, nearly two feet. This species is found in the Molucca Islands, and round New Guinea. They move in flights of thirty or forty, in close and regular order, and preserve their light and voluminous plumage in order, by always flying against the wind. Sometimes, however, a sudden change of wind discomposes their feathers, so that they fall.

There are about seven distinct species of the Bird of Paradise. They are generally seen on the wing, and flying in the torrid zone at small distance from the land; their appearance foretells to seamen that land is near. The note of the bird is very unpleasant, resembling the cawing of a raven, and this may remind us that gay plumage is not always the sign of perfection. We should study the good qualities instead of the fair exterior of those around us.

The Bird of Paradise has long been held in high repute among the fair votaries of fashion for furnishing a superb head-dress; and as those sent to Europe for this purpose had the legs severed in order to suit the convenience of packing, it was at one period a popular belief that this beautiful bird had no legs, but that it lived always on the winga flying messenger of the air-not deigning to rest upon this world of peril and tribulation. Indeed the subject was at one time hotly contested by some philosophers, who sustained with great pertinacity the

aerial rights and privileges of the glorious bird. Time, however, and closer observation has made us acquainted with the peculiarities and instincts of the feathery tribes in most countries. The Bird of Paradise is fond of roosting on fig or teak trees, and takes shelter from storms in the most dense thickets. They feed upon living insects, and will not touch them when dead. In their flights they are said to be led by a single bird, which the natives call their king, but which is thought to be of a different species.