FERN OWL. 145 



bilobated, their shoulders broad and muscular, and their 

 whole bodies fleshy and plump. Nothing could be more 

 sleek and soft than their fur, which was of a bright chestnut 

 colour ; their maws were full of food, but so macerated, that 

 the quality could not be distinguished ; their livers, kidneys, 

 and hearts, were large, and their bowels covered with fat. 

 They weighed each, when entire, full one ounce and one 

 drachm. Within the ear, there was somewhat of a peculiar 

 structure that I did not understand perfectly ; but refer it 

 to the observation of the curious anatomist. These creatures 

 send forth a very rancid and offensive smell. 



LETTEE XL VII. 



TO THE SAME. 



SELBORNE, 1771. 



DEAE SIR, On the twelfth of July, I had a fair opportu- 

 nity of contemplating the motions of the caprimulgus, or 

 fern-owl, as it was playing round a large oak that swarmed 

 with scarabcei solstitiales, or fern-chafers.* The powers of 

 its wing were 'wonderful, exceeding, if possible, the various 

 evolutions and quick turns of the swallow genus. But the 

 circumstance that pleased me most was, that I saw it dis- 

 tinctly more than once put out its short leg when on the 

 wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver somewhat into its 

 mouth.f If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I 



* Several species of phalcena, live upon the oak ; but one, the phalcena 

 viridana of Donovan's British Insects, and which also appears to have been 

 known to Mr. White, does considerable damage among the young oak copses 

 in Scotland, while in the larva state. In the summer of 1828, and again in 

 that of 1829, I met with this species in immense profusion about Inverary, 

 and near Loch Katrine, where many hundred acres of oak copse appeared as 

 in early spring, with the leaves much destroyed by this insect. This must 

 undoubtedly check the growth, and, of course, when so extensively dispersed, 

 be of some consequence to the proprietor. Though White describes it as 

 phalcena quercus, it is undoubtedly this species which he means. W. J. 



f Titmice do the same. I have frequently observed them to catch bees 

 with their feet. ED. 



