147 



where meadows and corn-fields foster the animals 

 on which it habitually preys, which appear to be 

 chiefly mice. Euined buildings, the eaves of 

 churches, church towers, barns, or hollow trees, 

 are its usual places of abode, where in breeding 

 time it lays its eggs, from three to five in number, 

 and of a bluish white colour. The young are at 

 first covered with white down. In its flight it 

 occasionally utters loud screams, &c. 



OWL, EAGLE. 

 GREAT HORNED OWL. 



Sfnix BUBO, Lin. 



This species, which is equal in size to some of 

 the largest Eagles, like all continental birds of 

 prey occasionally visits this country in obedience 

 to the instinct which prompts it to migrate ; but 

 the greater part of those which have been killed 

 in England have escaped from confinement* 

 Numbers also are taken in Sweden and Norway 

 when young, brought up by the hand, and im- 

 ported into Great Britain, where they not only 

 live and thrive, but breed and bring up their 

 young. In Ireland they appear to be quite un- 

 known, none having been captured or killed in 

 that country. This bird preys upon fawns, rabbits, 

 the different species of grouse, rats, &c. It builds 



L 2 



