22(5 THE REASON WHY I 



" Ye solemn warblers of the gloomy night, 



That rest in lightning blasted oaks the day, 

 Thro' the black mantles take your slow-pac'd flight, 

 Kending the silent wood with shrieking lay." CUATTERTON. 



and outer tables (or bony layers) of the skull, of a number of large 

 cells, which communicate with the organ of hearing, and render 

 that sense more acute. 



678. We find in owls an external ear, or conch, which exists in no other birds ; 

 this is concealed by the feathers, which are arranged in a sort of hollow cone around it, 

 and, in some species, it is covered with a sort of lid, which the bird has the power 

 of opening or closing at pleasure. 



679. Wliy do owls possess feeble powers of flight ? 



Because they are not intended to obtain their prey by swiftness 

 of pursuit, but by the stealthiness of their approach ; and the 

 remarkable powers of other functions are therefore counterbalanced 

 by the comparative incapacity of this particular one. 



680. From the nature of their food, which is chiefly the different species of mice 

 and other small and destructive quadrupeds, of which they capture vast numbers, 

 owls may be regarded as the most serviceable of wild birds ; and those species which 

 are of the greatest use are so far from timid or retiring in their manner, that they 

 -esort to farm-yards, barns, and other places, and perform their services even iu 

 spite of the persecutions which they meet with from the thoughtless. 



681. Why is the plumage of nocturnal birds of prey tapered 

 off to a fine and soft point ? 



Because this structure enables them to glide noiselessly through 

 the air, and even among the leaves and sprays of the thick forests, 

 without disturbing their prey. 



682. Why are, the wings of the serpent-cater, or secretary bird, 

 tipped with hard points ? 



Because in attacking serpents, it covers its breast with one wing 

 as a shield, to protect itself from the bite of the reptile, and strikes 

 at his victim with the other the two wings thus acting as a shield 

 and spear. Then, after breaking the cranium with its beak, the 



