BIRDS OF PREY. 39 
the ground, observed that some mice which happened — 
to fall in could not get out again, the idea of forming 
similar holes was suggested ; it was tried accordingly, 
and found to answer. In short, holes about two feet 
long and ten inches broad at the top, and somewhat 
larger every way at the bottom, were made at twenty 
yards apart, over about 3200 acres of plantation. 
Persons went round early in the morning to destroy 
such mice as might be found in the holes. In this way, 
besides what the owls, hawks, magpies, and weasels took 
out of the holes (and several of those depredators lost 
their lives in attempting to seize their prey), 30,000 
mice were paid for by government; nor were they 
extirpated till they had destroyed 1700 acres, the as- 
tonishing number of 200,000 five-year-old oaks, to- 
gether with an immense number of acorns and young 
seedlings.” 
I have frequently met with the Long-eared ‘Owl 
(Stria otws) in the fir plantations in various parts of the 
forest, these being its favourite places of concealment in 
the day-time; but it is not common with us, and indeed 
does not appear to be an abundant species anywhere. 
It is an amusing bird, and when met with during day- 
light, perched on a shady bough, it has a most grotesque 
and perky look ; it sits quietly enough if undisturbed, 
but when roused its ears are instantly erected, and if 
you pat your hand towards it you will quickly experience 
the sharpness of its beak and claws, with which it fights 
vigorously. 
An allied species (Stria bubo), the Eagle Owl, appears 
to attain a great age, and the keep of Arundel Castle in 
Sussex is tenanted by some which were introduced many 
years since by the then Earl of Arundel. One of these 
