Page:Accidents and disasters on land.pdf/22



A very singular occurrence happened some time ago, in the parish of St. Ambrose, about nine miles from this city. Two boys, the one seven and the other five years old, amused themselves in an adjoining field, trying to reap, while their parents were at dinner. A large eagle soon came sailing over them, and with a swoop attempted to seize the eldest, but luckily missed him. The bird, not at all dismayed, sat on the ground at a short distance, and in a few moments repeated the attempt. The bold little fellow defended himself against his fierce antagonist with the sickle he had very fortunately in his hand, and when the bird rushed upon him he struck at it. The sickle entered under the left wing, and the blow having been given strongly went through the liver, and proved instantly fatal. The eagle was afterwards sold to Mr Chasseur, who has stuffed it and placed it in his museum, where it may be seen. It is the ring-tailed or Russian eagle. The wings expand upwards of six feet. Its stomach was opened and found entirely empty. The little boy did not receive a scratch.

Early on the morning of the 1st curt. James Gilmour, carter, Sanquhar, attempted to cross the Nith at the usual ford, while on his way to the coal-pit at Kelloside. During the previous day it had rained heavily; the morning