306 SNOWY OWL, 



but retires with the ptarmigan, on which it preys, 

 to more sheltered districts in winter." It has been 

 " now and then known to wander as far south as 

 Florida."* 



Mr Edmonstone's description of the habits in 

 a wild state appears the most complete we have 

 yet read, and is taken from observation. 



It rests generally beneath some stony projec- 

 tion, which protects it from the direct influence of 

 the sun ; and some instances have occurred of its 

 being surprised asleep during the day, and for- 

 feiting its life to its supineness. 



Its form and manner are highly elegant; its 

 flight less buoyant, and more rapid, than that of 

 the other Owls ; and the superior boldness and 

 activity of its disposition, the uncommon size of 

 its talons, and vigour of its limbs, secure it against 

 danger from feathered enemies. 



It affects solitary, stony, and elevated districts, 

 which, by the similarity to it in colour of the 

 rocks, render it difficult to be discovered, and by 

 the inequalities of their surface, afford it shelter 

 from the rays of the sun ; but on the approach of 

 twilight, it may be seen perching on the exposed 

 eminences. It then quits its haunts and frequents 

 the cultivated fields, prowling over the low grounds 

 in quest of mice and small birds When first 



* Northern Zoology, ii. p. 88. 



