Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-03-13

Shot in Mld.AiF.

Some years ago, saws Canadian writer.
the famous whirlpool midway between
Niagara Falls and Lewiston, was remark
able for the number Of eagles that were
often 70 be seen lowering over it or seated
in some Of the lofty pines on its edge.
They were doubtless attracted to the local
ity by the dead bodies OF animals that had
come over the falls and that were arrested
here sometimes for days together. while
the summit of the towering trees afforded
fine view Of whatever wild fowl passed
through the gorge Of the river between
the two lakes, Erie and Ontario.
But If this was noted rendezvous for
these monarchs Of the air. it was no less
so 10 their enemies. the hunters OF the
vicinity. who thought it no mean feat IT,
tumble them from their lofty perch with
one bullet: or, more exciting still, to sud-
denly recall them from mid-air with the
Ieaden messenger, while making the first
Of those sublime spiral swoops upward
that carry them almost beyond the range
of human vision.
| was an eye witness of feat OF this
latter description. but the remembrance
il not a pleasant enc. / had climbed on
the bank of the whirlpool, one morning, on
the Canadian side, when | suddenly came
upon an acquaintance who was one of the
best hunters in the district. | saw that
something was up. as he motioned me to
halt and be quiet He was too late. Tor
made some remark on catching glimpse
of him. The next moment heard sound
as Of the Tapping of many pinions. and
Two eagles sailed above Us.
Their first sweep was over the whir-
pool, and, what | have never observed
before in such flights, they flew almost
side by side. In the course of few
seconds they hung above US once more,
when the hunter, now directly beneath
them, took aim and fired. One seemed to
hang perfectly still in the air, but there
was a wild and convulsive movement on
the part Of the other The latter | sup
posed to have been the wounded one, but
the hunter assured me | was mistaken,
as it was the other that was hurt MORALLY,
and was coming down gradually. And
now began drama in the air, so touch
ing that never shall forget it. The bird
that had not been touched flew about her
wounded mate in such seeming agony and
with such show Of affection that could
have wept for her Although she could not
but perceive us, she seemed to disregard
our proximity; and the hunter was
was now too much moved, himself, to take
advantage of the fact.
Soon some heavy drops of blood fell at
my feet, and in few minutes the van
pushed monarch of the air reached the
earth within yard of me. When he saw
us he tried to gather up his dropping
plumage and regain his feet. but he was
too weak to accomplish either; although
in his last throes he eyed US with so fierce
and defiant glare that felt much re-
lieved when he fell forward and expired
with feeble scream.
In the meantime the hunter had reload
ed his rifle, and | was now scarcely sorry
to find that he was bringing it to bear up
on the solitary mate of his sad trophy. that
sat listessly close by. There was ring
ing noise. and she fell dead to the earth
with dull, heavy thud. There was no
CLEAN of triumph in the eye of the hunter
for .as he gazed on both the noble creatures.
recently so full of life and vigor, he said
mournfully. II have shot my last eagle"