OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. !<>! 



digestible, and there did not seem to be any indication of 

 small pellets of refuse materials being disgorged, which 

 can only be accounted for, from the fact that its owner, 

 being a taxidermist, invariably fed it upon the bodies of 

 animals divested of their natural clothing. 



It has been frequently asserted that these Owls are incapa- 

 ble of being trained, and invariably resent all advances which 

 are made by persons. In reply we would say that the ex- 

 periment has been thoroughly tried, even with adult birds, by 

 some of our friends, and has proved eminently successful. 

 The success of the experiment, however, depends upon the 

 disposition of the person who makes it. A deal of patience, 

 combined with the gentleness of a forbearing nature, are the 

 essential attributes of a successful trainer. Most people fail, 

 for want of these most enviable traits. 



Besides the hissing and clicking sounds alluded to above, 

 which are seemingly indicative of commingled disgust and 

 anger, there are other sounds which are emitted when oc- 

 casion demands. At night, when emerging from its hidden 

 retreat, is heard a loud lugubrious note which approximately 

 resembles wawhoo* and is apparent!} the signal for commenc- 

 ing operations. This alarming note is not uttered while in 

 quest of particular kinds of prey, which would assured!} 

 defeat the object of the bird ; but appears to be a signal of 

 warning for other individuals of the same, or different spe- 

 cies, not to encroach upon already occupied territory ; or 

 else a cry of delight for the return of night, and with it, a 

 full supply of appropriate food-stuffs. When nearing a barn 

 or a meadow, wherein dwell many of the creatures which 

 contribute to its diet, the most perfect silence is maintained ; 

 while, on the other hand, when in quest of birds and insects, 

 the same precaution is not necessary. As these beings are 

 either captured upon the wing, the flight of birds being ex- 

 ceedingly uncertain and bewildering at night, or, in the 

 case of the latter, in a stealth}" manner upon the perch, 

 the frequent repetition of this inharmonious note is but of 



