CHAP. 12. (10.)—THE KITE.
The kite, which belongs to the same genus, is distinguished
from the rest of the hawks by its larger size. It has been remarked of this bird, extremely ravenous as it is, and always
craving, that it has never been known to seize any food either
from among funereal oblations or from the altar of Jupiter at
Olympia; nor yet, in fact, does it ever seize any of the consecrated viands from the hands of those who are carrying them;
except where some misfortune is presaged for the town that is
offering the sacrifice. These birds seem to have taught man
the art of steering, from the motion of the tail, Nature pointing
out by their movements in the air the method required for
navigating the deep. Kites also disappear during the winter
months, but do not take their departure before the swallow.
It is said, also, that after the summer solstice they are troubled
with the gout.