340 LAND-BIRDS AND GAME-BIRDS 
structive of their tribe in North America, in many parts of 
which, including New England, they are not uncommon. They 
are resident in Massachusetts throughout the year. ‘They 
frequent the thick woods, from which they roam at night 
over the open country, and pay visits to the farm-yard. They 
usually roost among some clump of evergreens during the 
day, and occasionally may be closely approached before they 
take to flight. But on cloudy days, they see well, and, ex- 
ceptionally, even hunt for their prey, which consists of rab- 
bits, squirrels, skunks, partridges, poultry, and the like. They 
fly with great strength and ease, often sailing, even in circles, 
like the buzzards. Apparently they inhabit the same neighbor- 
hood throughout the year, but lead a solitary life during the 
larger part of it. 
Nothing can more gratify a romantic imagination than 
musings on the life of this owl. Imagine the scenes which 
characterize his existence. Fancy him perched on some tree: 
a silent watcher, he surveys the country shrouded in darkness, 
or fantastically lit by the moon, listens to the sighing of the 
breeze through the pines, and marks the waving of the mys- 
terious shadows; then, spreading his wings, he sails away with 
the silence of a spirit, ready to pounce upon his unsuspecting 
prey, and alights in some still more romantic spot, perhaps by 
a lonely river in the forest; now, he wanders through a war 
of elements which man shrinks from, through darkness, cold, 
and falling snow, or goes abroad in a gloom impenetrable 
except to him and his fellow-wanderers, in furious winds, and 
in down-pouring rain; at last, he pounces upon some poor 
animal, and, tearing him piece-meal, begins his nocturnal 
repast. Next, he startles some traveler by his unearthly cries, 
perhaps united to the quavering note of the Loon. 
What scenes he nay have beheld, an unknown witness ; what 
deeds of darkness he might disclose. But all this he enjoys. 
His savageness and wildness of disposition are evident. No 
other word than * devilish” can describe the Great Horned 
Owl in confinement. Approach him in some corner, remark 
his unconquerable spirit, observe his glaring eyes, as he slowly 
