£02 THE OWL KIND. 



tor, bears a strong resemblance both to the tiger's and 

 the cat's, for there is a quality in the retina that takes 

 in the rays of light so copiously as permits them to see 

 in places that are nearly dark ; but, though their sight 

 is dazzled by the glare of day, they cannot distinguish 

 their prey in the total gloom of night. Their most suc- 

 cessful time for plunder is by the light of the moon : 

 and when they cannot enjoy the benefit of her beams, 

 they begin their depredations at the dusk of the even- 

 ing, and conclude them before it is absolutely dark ; 

 and if they have not sufficient food to supply them till 

 the next evening, they renew their incursions when the 

 morning begins to break. 



All birds of the owl kind may be divided into two 

 sorts, those that have horns, and those which arc with- 

 out. These horns are nothing more than a few feathers 

 placed over the ear, and standing up on each side the 

 head, which gives the bird the appeara . ^aving 



two horns. Of this species the great horned owl has 

 pre-eminence, as it at first view appears equal to the 

 eagle in size, but, when observed more closely, proves 

 to be infinitely less : his legs, body, wings, and tail are 

 shorter ; but his head much larger, broader, and more 

 thick : his horns are composed of feathers near three 

 inches in length, which he can raise or depress at will; 

 his eyes are large and transparent, encircled with an 

 orange-coloured iris round : his ears are large, and very 

 deep ; his plumage of a reddish brown, marked on the 

 back with black and yellow spots ; but, on the belly, 

 the latter colour prevails ; and, from the extremity of 

 each wing, it measures five feet. 



Next in size to this is the common horned owl, 

 which, when the wings are extended, measures only 

 three feet. The horns of this bird are composed of 



