OIVL 



677 



the latter, B. ignavvs,'^ the Due or Grand Due of the French, ranging 

 over the whole of Europe and Asia north of the Himalayas, while the 

 former, B. virginianus, extends over the whole of North America. 

 A contrast to the generally sombre colour of these birds is shewn by 

 the Snowy Owl, Mi/dea scandiaca, a circumpolar species, and the only 

 one of its genus, which disdains the shelter of forests and braves 

 the most rigorous arctic climate, though compelled to migrate south- 

 ward in winter when no sustenance is left for it. Its large size and 

 white plumage, more or less mottled vnth black, distinguish this 



Strix occidicntalis. 



from every other Owl. Then may be mentioned the birds commonly 

 known in English as " Horned " Owls — the Hihous of the French, 

 belonging to the genus u4sio. One, A. ohis (the Oius vulgaris of 

 some authors), inhabits Avoods, and, distinguished by its long tufts, 

 usually borne erected, would seem to be common to both America 

 and Europe — though experts profess their ability to distinguish 

 between examples from each country. Another species, A. 



^ This species bears confinement very well, and propagates freely therein. The 

 Owls so well known as formerly kept at Arundel Castle were always referred to 

 it, until Mr. Borrer [B. Sussex, Introd. p. xvii.) shewed that they belonged to the 

 kindred B. virginiamis. 



