SOME FEATHERED BUILDERS 37 



At one time the farmers had their own kilns 

 for chalk-burning, in order to dress the land 

 with it ; but they are in ruins picturesque 

 objects placed in odd nooks and corners of 

 the waste lands. I explore in them frequently, 

 for on and in those old kilns I have seen some 

 fine training going on. 



The white owl has been called a church owl 

 amongst his other titles ; but a ledge on the 

 face of a chalk - pit suits him to perfection, 

 because there he is practically invisible when 

 drawn up and asleep. For the chalk that has 

 not been worked, it may be for years, or 

 worked-out as they term it, is weather-stained 

 and blotched with streaks of light grey-white 

 and dirty buff. You have seen the owl fly 

 there and settle, but your eyes are not able 

 to make him out till you use the glasses. 

 There he is, a rare bit of mimicry : so well 

 does he fit the corner that you might miss 

 seeing him, though only the length of a small 

 room distant. These peculiar positions, assumed 

 at times for purposes of protection and conceal- 

 ment by the owl family, are proof positive that 

 Nature trains her own creatures to act in the 

 best way for their own well-being and safety. 

 The crows both the carrion and the hoody 



