A very pitiful example of the wickedness of the steel
trap came to my notice the other day in an island off the West coast of Scotland. A golden eagle lay dead with a rabbit-trap on its claw. It had flown over from a neighbouring island with this weight and must have lived long and tortured hours after being trapped. This magnificent bird is increasing and is encouraged on many estates. Personally I know of three nests within a fairly narrow area. On the other hand, there are some places where the eagles are regarded as vermin, and destroyed in any way that suggests itself. They will, of course kill grouse, and examples are on record where they have caused a migration of grouse ; but in general the " light of the golden wings " is worth-greatly-more even-to the engrooved sportsman than the few game birds they destroy.
W. BEACH T1103IAS.
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