Milford chronicle. [volume] (Milford, Del.) 1878-1974, 1923-11-30
.:V::V:! 80:
UNCLE TED'S BEDTIME q:
STORIES "a
The Great American Eagle-SymbOl
of Our Government

had gathered nuts, leaves and prett.
stones. Jack had found a rabbit witt
a broken leg and Ruth a little sparrow
that had lost its way to the South
land. But the greatest sight of all was
when Uncle Ted, after climbing higf
on some rocks had found the nest Of
an eagle and called Ruth and Jack tC
come as near as they dared to see this
wonderful bird at home.
Now that supper was over and the
kiddies were ready for bed Uncle Ted
was ready to tell them about the eagle
for he had made this promise on
the way home that afternoon.
"That was a sight you won't forget
for some time, wasn't it," said Uncle
Ted.
you bet it was, Uncle Ted" re-
piled Jack. 81 didn't know there were
any eagles around here and 1 didn't
know anything about the eagle be-
fore"
"The American eagle, Jack" said
Uncle Ted, lis the real symbol of Am
erica. The eagle, like the United
States, is a lover of peace, but when
he finds it necessary to fight, look out.
He is never beaten. The American
eagle is probably more frequently
known by the name bald eagle. This
is because of the tuft of white feath-
ers on the top of his head giving the
impression of badness. While this
wonderful bird lives in practically
every section of North America, he is
found in the greatest numbers in |
Alaska, British Columbia, Washing
ton and some parts of Florida.
III ho nnolnC H' asked |
Ruth.
1.-THE bald eagle, Ruth, measures
from 3 to 8 IL feet long and its
wing spread is from 6 to feet, with
a weight of from to II pounds. The
real young eagles are brown or black
but when they grow up they have
those wonderful feathers, giving them
body of dark brown, and a head,
neck and tail of white.
"a great many people have the idea
that the eagle is a vicious bird, that
he is always looking for fight and
that he is dangerous to be near. The
truth is that he does everything he
can to avoid a fight. He isn't looking
for trouble and when he sees any
strange animal or person near he
stays away as far as he can. However,
if he must fight to protect his home I
Or mate or both, he can fight and fight
we'll. I
eve can learn several fine lessons
rom this bird the symbol of our Gov
When our friend the eagle 4
starts looking for home he flies over
he land and when he sees a stream
II river he says: That is fine loca- \
ion. Now if can just find high
ree.' The eagle always likes a real I
high tree, a pine tree if he can find
me, near water. If he can't find high +
rec then he looks for an opening in
he rocks at some high point. When A
yer he finds a place to his liking he
tarts to build a nest. And strong! He
an carry piece of wood that weighs
S much as he does for five miles, cas- R
Iy, soaring to great heights in his
light. v
after he gets his home built he re-
lrns to it each year. Most birds, you N
now, get a new home each spring,
ut Mr.. Eagle is a real home-body. He T
ppreciates the value of getting the
ght kind of home and sticking to it.
Then he returns to his nest in the Y
lring, he Immediately starts work on
epairs. He fixes a spot here and one W
lere and maybe he builds on an adj
ition to make himself and family 81
Some times he builds on
} many rooms that the nest be- "
lmes nearly 10 feet high and as big
'ound. He uses all kinds of stick for
IS building material, grass, moss, So
eeds, vines and even straw, and,
hen close enough to the ocean, sea- TC
eed.
''What do the eagles live on?" asked "I
ok.
mostly fish, Jack. They can sit on
cir high nests and dart down long AS
stances upon a swimming fish. They
We keen eye and seldom miss their
lner. But when fish cannot be had As
ey eat birds and even various kinds
ducks. However, the eagle has been WI
own to feed on various animals, ev- /
attacking a large deer when hun Jus
7. Dogs, foxes and pigs and on rare
,asions, chickens have been attack Jus
and carried away.
I haven't much more time so will
re to let that much go for the hab-
of the American eagle. 1 want to
you how it was first used as the
nbol of our Government When TIE
elaration of independence had been u
ned John Hancock, President of tho
Congress, appointed committee Son
prepare a great seal for the United 600
ties of America Many designs we're ne,
red and many sessions of Congress 1ESo
Re held before a design was finally obi,
pied on June 20, 1882. At that time e1oo
design, the work of Will Barton, tbo
was agreed upon and nc ;
main feature of the work was the ~
lie, the bird of freedom. tho
The seal as adopted was officially end,
d for the first time on September tbe
1882, when it was stamped upon n,
,mmission giving power to General anv
rye Washington to make all ar boSi
gements with the British for the Fact,
lange of prisoners of war. heno
70 most of us, the eagle doesn't W.
n a great deal. We know it is a ners
and that we see it on money and ne II
e times we see one in the Zoo, or Men;
cky enough, as we were today, in form,
woods. 1t should mean a whole fact
This great bird of freedom, makes eran
lOst of the Great Seal of our Gov basis
lent He is a lover of peace as conn
Ill are and yet when the time comm
IS and it is necessary to fight for Grams
} and country, the eagle will fight primo
80 will we. Tho :