OF' EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA, 179 



Point, it has been found to breed according to Dr. Lincecum. 

 It abounds in California, and even as far to the north-west 

 as Sitka where it is designated as a different variety. 



In E.istern Pennsylvania it is at present our most common 

 species, although a few years ago it was surpassed in num- 

 bers by the Long-eared Owl of Wilson. Unlike its more 

 powerful relative last described, it rather courts than shuns 

 the society of man. In some of our rural districts, however, 

 it manifests less familiarity than in others, especially where 

 it has been unduly harassed by mischief-loving boys and 

 equally mischievous birds. The immense good w T hich it 

 accomplishes in the destruction of mice, moles, and various 

 kinds of insects, should command for it the mercy and justice 

 which it deserves. But persecutions of divers kinds are the 

 only return which it receives for its manifold services, in 

 certain sections. The evil, which some of its less scrupulous 

 brethren have committed, reflects discredit upon it, and, 

 consequently, through ignorance and a worse superstition, 

 the innocent are made the scape-goats for the sins of their 

 more vicious and powerful neighbors. But, fortunately, 

 there are localities where its services are fully appreciated 

 by persons of education and sense, and amply rewarded. 

 In such places, these birds become more familiar, nesting and 

 roosting in" hollow trees, and even entering barns and dif- 

 ferent out-buildings to spend the night, as though they were 

 the rightful proprietors thereof. 



This species is more eminently nocturnal in its habits than 

 any of its brethren. It generally emerges from its darksome 

 retreats about dusk, and is exceedingly active and lively in 

 the pursuit of prey. It seldom, if ever, retires from its 

 roost during the day, but in the uncertain twilight it will 

 occasionally venture forth, being but little incommoded, if 

 any, thereby. In the daytime its movements are dubious 

 and bewildering, and only prompted by annoyances. It 

 presents, when aroused, a sleepy, stupid look, and is appar- 

 ently dazed by the too brilliant glare of day. During 



