72 COUNTRY RAMBLES. 



Passing in the Zoo at the South entrance, the White-bellied Sea 

 Eagle was exercising its wings, and even in such a small compass 

 admirably depicted the majestic Eagle flight. Condors wing-stretching, 

 and "preening." The White-tailed Eagle was uttering a weak, plaintive 

 note; Corean Sea Eagle black, with a yellowish-white and formidable 

 beak was quacking-like ; Vociferous Sea Eagle whitish grey head, 

 throat and upper breast, chestnut lower breast presents a very 

 striking appearance as it perches directly in front of the observer, 

 whelping and throwing its head back in the act, similar to a dog. 

 The Beech Martin was out on this occasion; it is a curious little 

 animal. The Ruddy Sheldrake was eating the green grass, and the 

 Indian and Cape Ratels still persist in working for a living. Grunting, 

 trotting, quarrelling, climbing, and feeding, this is how they pass the 

 time. I wonder how many times the larger Ratel goes his rounds in 

 the course of a day! 



The Elephants and Camels were out, and carried their freights 

 of happy children. Now for a concise account of that part of the 

 collection hitherto undescribed. 



The fine collection of Owls is worth more than a passing notice. 

 There were located, as at this date, the following species: 

 Burrowing Owl, South America a dapper little Owl ; sought the 

 burrow of a drain-pipe when 1 was inclined to become inquisitive; 

 Spotted Eagle Owl, South Africa; Virginian Eagle Owl, North 

 America. In this latter species the eye of an Owl provides a 

 wondrous study. The wise look is the result of physiological oddity, 

 as Scientists tell us; but really one cannot help being amazed at the 

 wonderful eyes these birds possess. Those of the last-mentioned 

 Owl struck me very forcibly, with the large black centres and yellow 

 outsides. The Indianee Owl, Ceylon, is a very curious Owl ; whilst the 

 Downy Owl, Brazil ; Boobook Owl, Australia ; Short-eared, and a pair of 

 grand Tawny Owls, both British breeding birds, were all on view. 

 Tengmalm's Owl. Norway, is a greyish bird, and possesses a very 

 sorrowful look. Others in the collection include the Milky Eagle 

 Owl, Mashonaland sleeping peacefully, and affording ample 

 opportunity for observing the beautiful greyish breast and the 

 Snowy Owl, Northern Europe also asleep in the far right-hand 

 corner of its cage, huddled up like a large snowball. Adjoining the 

 Owl collection I noticed the Hobby Falcon a Summer Migrant to 

 the British Isles; Indian Kite, Eastern Asia; Matterers Hawk, 

 Brazil; Angolan Vulture, West Africa a grey and blackish bird; 



