148 IN BIRD-LAND 



were more plainly heard, than the most unearthly 

 kind of cries proceeded from just outside the 

 window. At first I thought something terrible 

 had really happened ; but no sooner was the noise 

 repeated than it was at once recognised as the very 

 unmusical hoot of the Tawny Owl. Perched on a 

 branch just outside a front bedroom window, this 

 bird, with its mournful cries, had alarmed the 

 household. After proper explanations I retired 

 with the sincere wish, that people in general would 

 acquire greater knowledge of natural history, so as 

 to be competent to distinguish the voice of a night- 

 bird, and thus not need to call up any one at mid- 

 night in order to be reassured or to have their 

 alarm allayed. 



Many writers, including poets, since the time of 

 the Romans, have, in their descriptions of uncanny 

 midnight scenes, introduced the Owl to add to the 

 sombreness of the scene. 



" The shrieking lich-owl that doth never cry, 

 But boding death." DRAYTON. 



Shakespeare in many places makes use of supersti- 

 tious beliefs : 



" I have done the deed : Didst thou not hear a noise ? 

 I heard the owl scream, and the crickets cry." 



Macbeth, Act ii., Scene ii 



