The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1913-01-17
INTERESTING HISTORY OF
THE AMERICAN BALD EAGLE

ancient times. the eagle has been uni.
Nersaily regarded as the emblem OF
might and courage: and like the lion.
u mas been fancifully invested with
otner attributes OF greatness
It's power OF vision, that vast height
10 wnlch II scars in the sky. the wild
grandeur OF the acehery amid which
IL chiefly loves 10 make its abode, and
perhaps. also. its longevity have con-
CURED TO recommend II to poetic re-
gard. IL was associated with Jupiter
In the Roman mythology; its figure
on the standards OF the Roman legions
expressed and animated their conf.
dence OF victory.
Inc eagle. as a military standard.
was adopted by the Romans. and even
by nations preceding them in history.
IN modern times. not only the United
states. but France. Russia. Prussia
ana Austria. have all adopted the
eagle as National military symbol.
Inc golden eagle. is the largest of
only throughout Europe. preferring
wild and mountainous situations. bu;
throughout almost the whole Northern
hemisphere: IL is amongst the birds
or India. North Africa and South Am
erica: and the savage warrior of the
Rocky Mounccins. as well as the High
land chieftan, elories in his eagle
plume"
II buildt It's nest only in mountain
Gus districts. carrying a few sticks
ana brambles TO the inaccessible shelf
OF rocky precipice. where the eggs
are deposited almost on the bare rock
y great uantity OF prey is necessary
10 support pair OF these birds. and
thelr TWO or three young ones. and
not only are rabbits and game of all
kinds. and also lambs and other larg-
er animals carried of 10 their eyrie.
hut almost every district. where eagles
build their nests. has its story OF
children carried of 10 feed the eagles.
ana many stories are told of their al
moSt miraculous preservation.
There are many kinds or species OF
eagles. which cannot he fully discuss
ed al this time. but the white heaG>i
or bald headed eagle of America.
which Is the chosen emblematic eagle
of the United States. is the one meant
In this sketch.
Alexander Wilson. one OF the
earliest of orni lholigists in this coun-
try. who came 70 the United States
in 1854. and died here in 1913. gives
striking reference TO the vast num-
hers Of bald headed eagles that
proved over sections Of the East.
where they are now considered curl
osities OF the rarest kind.
The cataract OF Niagara. which in
recent years. has become the deS tina
ton OF the timid. gentle. dove-like
brides. was then "A noted resort for
bald eagles. which with the vultures.
found rich repasis In the carcasses OF
squirrels, deer bear and other
animals that persihed IN their at
temDts 20 cross above the falls
The bald eagle often measures three
feet long. with a seven-foOt spread OF
wing. and weighing thirteen pounds
or more. and Is 10 the bird creation,
as the lion IS among animals. monarch
OF all he surveys
The few geological gardens OF the
niied states. usually endeavor TO
have specimen or two OF the bald
eagle In captivity. fer patriotism IN
vests the monarch ~ the air with n
fallen grandeur. such as even the
mighty Hon docs not wear in the cyes
or N" curious Hu' the ZOOS arc the
only places where tho average Amer.
can stands chance % beholding the
National bird. so often rs once in "A
lif" time
Spreading city suburbs populous
iarns IN" bungalo against fha noun
IAN side. fleets 81 motor boats. tho
universal and utterly merciles. re-.
p"a'ing shotgun. all Of these agencies
in tho swelling. spreading tide OF hu-
manitr. have left 70 The once dOui-
ranf bird ~ America. neither crag
nor tree. whorp he and his brood can
u safe from the pursuit az humanity
The tim" has come. when the
human bird oan sail through tho afr
o. Heefly n did once the great
American bald gayle. and IN Il very
short time. the bird % freedom and
lih"r'y. VIII only remain "a
rmbi"matic IN tho silver dollar and
were u not for the wac' legions ~
orr fellow citizens have an iron grip
"n ms emblem. sometimes holding go
a. As.
might be entirely forgotten
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