154 OWLS. 



several nights, in order that they might observe, through a 

 window, when and how this supply was brought ; but in vain 

 for it appeared that the Owls, which are very quick-sighted, 

 had discovered the moment when the window was not 

 watched, as food was found to be placed before the coop on 

 those very nights. 



It may be readily concluded, from this instance, how much 

 game must be destroyed by a pair of these large Owls, during 

 the time they rear their young. Our Barn-Owl is, by many, 

 accused of being equally injurious to game ; but experienced 

 sportsmen are most of them of opinion that game is rather 

 preserved than destroyed by them : the great destruction, 

 exclusive of poaching, proceeding from weasels, stoats, rats, 

 &c., which suck the eggs, and in one night will destroy a 

 whole brood. Now Owls, although they may occasionally 

 kill a bird or two, of which, however, we have considerable 

 doubts (for by night, young Partridges and Pheasants are in 

 safe keeping under their mothers' wings), live chiefly on small 

 Vermin, as we have seen ; and in proportion as the Owls are 

 destroyed, these noxious animals may be expected to increase. 



That small birds, generally speaking, have a great dislike to 

 Owls is clear, from the uproar that takes place if an unfortu- 

 nate Owl is disturbed in the day-time, and compelled to appear 

 in broad daylight ; pursued, as it is sure to be, by a host of 

 them, who persecute it by every means in their power. And 

 we may therefore conclude, that they either take it for their 

 real enemy, the Hawk, or that it does, now and then, when it 

 can, feast upon any of them which may, by accident, fall into 

 its clutches. 



Of this antipathy the bird-catchers in Italy know how to 

 take advantage, it being customary with them to decoy small 

 birds to lime-twigs, by tethering an Owl by the leg with a 

 long string, which is thus kept hopping, and beating the 

 ground without being able to escape. The bird-catcher then 

 hides himself behind a tree, and makes a chirping, which 

 calls the small birds together ; and seeing the Owl, they 

 gradually approach nearer, and finding him unable to resist, 



