41 
regions that they are not found... They are fewest in New Zealand 
and Polynesia, and are perhaps more abundant in Australia than 
elsewhere, not less than six species of true Striv inhabiting that 
country, besides others pertaining to different genera, all of which 
find a ready means of subsistence in the many small anomalous 
quadrupeds of that anomalous section of the earth’s surface. The 
excess In the numbers of the White or Barn Owls as we call our 
bird, doubtless keep a wholesome check upon the undue increase 
of the small animals alluded to. How strange (is it not?) that the 
neighbouring country of New Zealand should be destitute of small 
mammals and of White Owls! But this is not the place to enter 
into a disquisition on the subject; let us proceed to an enumeration 
of the Owls of our own country. 
Genus Srrrx. 
DISTR EXCETAMMEAN 6 5 55 6 s 4 6 9 oVOll In PJ sXoxuvaliee 
Barn-Owt. 
A strictly nocturnal species, living principally upon mice, insects, 
and reptiles. Distributed over the three kingdoms and Europe gene- 
rally. The slight damage attributed to this bird is far over-balanced 
by the good it effects in the destruction of obnoxious animals, 
Genus SYRNIUM. 
SOM OVRNTUMOATUCO! asta. f « % ' % + Wola D/P] sxexepxe 
Tawny or Brown Ow1. 
Distributed over England and Scotland, but extremely rare in 
Ireland, if, indeed, it ever occurs there. Lives on mice, rats, moles, 
and other small quadrupeds; the edges of ponds, too, are fre- 
quently examined for any fish that may expose themselves, which it 
readily seizes. The less its general character is examined the better 
for its reputation ; for, truth to tell, it is a stealthy thief, and com- 
mits great depredation among young game, robs the keeper’s pens, 
and does not disdain a chicken; in fact, in prowling habits it is not 
surpassed by any other species. It is a bird but seldom seen either 
by day or night; and were it not for its merry hoot, uttered in the 
stillness of the evening, its presence and whereabouts would not be 
easily detected. It doubtless destroys rats, weasels, and young rab- 
bits in abundance ; and this is about all the good it can be said to 
effect. Besides our islands, the other parts of Europe are constantly 
frequented by this bird; but for any further particulars respecting 
it and its habits I must refer the reader to my account of the species 
accompanying the plate. 
Genus Buso. 
The birds of this genus are but few in number; and of these only 
one favours Britain with its presence; but that one is the finest of 
the whole. 
