153 



1812, by Mr. Bullock, who, in a tour which he 

 made to the Orkneys and Shetland Isles, found it 

 breeding in those remote districts. Since that 

 period it has occasionally been met with in the 

 United Kingdom. Some individuals of this 

 species are almost entirely white, while others have 

 large markings. From the observations that have 

 been made on its habits, it appears to be by no 

 means a bird which is active only during the com- 

 parative gloom of twilight, for it has been seen 

 pursuing its prey in the daytime. Alpine hares, 

 rabbits, rats, and the different species of grouse, 

 are among the animals that fall victims to its 

 appetite. It rests exposed upon the ground, where 

 it can look round and descry the approach of an 

 enemy. It breeds upon open moors, and lays two 

 or three eggs of a pure white. 



OWL, TAWNY BKOWN. 



IVY OWL. 

 STEIX STKLDTJLA, Mont. 



Next to the White or Barn Owl, this is the most 

 abundant of the British species, and like the former 

 is generally dispersed throughout this kingdom, as 

 well as in many parts of Europe. It is most fre- 

 quently met with, however, in well-wooded dis- 

 tricts, as it takes up its abode in woods and thick 



