THE BARN OWL. 159 



to see distinctly. One display of instinct is worthy re- 

 mark : they bear their prey to their nest in their claws, 

 but they usually alight on the roof, and shift it to their 

 bill, that they may be aided by their talons in getting to 

 their abode under the eaves. 



The barn owl is thought to sleep standing, and it has 

 been said to snore while it rests ; but this appears to be 

 a mistake : the sound that has been heard is the cry of 

 the young for food. " I had fully satisfied myself on 

 this score," says Mr.Waterton, " some years ago : how- 

 ever, in December, 1823, I was much astonished to hear 

 the same snoring kind of noise which had been so com- 

 mon in the month of July. On ascending the ruin, I 

 found a brood of young owls in the apartment." 



The Mongol and Calmuc Tartars pay great honours 

 to the white owl. Jenghis Khan, the founder of their 

 empire, happened, when attended by a small army, to be 

 surprised by his enemies. He was eagerly pursued, but 

 seeking concealment in a coppice, an owl settled on a bush 

 under which he took refuge. This place was not search- 

 ed, because it was supposed that no bird would perch 

 there under such circumstances. In consequence of 

 this escape of their prince, his countrymen held the 

 white owl sacred, and each one wore a plume of its 

 feathers on his head. 



