286 THE BARN OWL. 



In grim array, the grisly spectres rise, 



Grim, horrible, and obstinately sullen. 



Pass and repass, hushed as the foot of night. 



Again the screech-owl shrieks : ungracious sound ; 



I '11 hear no more ; it makes one's blood run chill. 



The Barn Owl has also a hissing note, which it has been 

 heard to utter when disturbed in its retreat during the day- 

 time ; and the young are said to " snore " when they are 

 hungry. 



It is not such an early breeder as its congeners ; the 

 eggs, which are from three to seven in number, being usually 

 found about the beginning of May. They are dull white in 

 colour, and about the size of those of a common dovecot 

 Pigeon, though not so much elongated. 



This species may be easily distinguished from our 

 other owls by its pure white breast, yellowish back, and 

 black eyes. 



