22 ACCIPITRES. STRIGID^E. 



came into his possession about the end of Sep- 

 tember. This bird at once became attached to its 

 owner, who, after having it about a month, ven- 

 tured to give it its liberty, a privilege which was 

 not on the Eagle's part abused, as it came to the 

 lure whenever called. It not only permits itself 

 to be handled in any way, but seems to derive 

 pleasure from the application of the hand to its 

 legs and plumage. The Eagle was hooded after 

 the manner of the hunting-hawks for some time, 

 but the practice was abandoned ; and although it 

 may be requisite, if the bird be trained for the 

 chase, hooding is otherwise unnecessary, as it 

 remains quiet and contented for any length of 

 time, and no matter how far carried on its master's 

 arm. It is quite indifferent to the presence of 

 any persons who may be in his company, and is 

 unwilling to leave him even to take a night, having 

 to be thrown into the air whenever he wishes it to 

 do so. When this Eagle is at large he has only to 

 hold out his arm towards it, which, as soon as 

 perceived, even at a distance, it flies to and 

 perches on. I have seen it thus come to him not 

 less than a dozen times within half an hour, 

 without any food being offered." * 



FAMILY III. STRIGID.E. 



(Owls.) 



With the general structure and anatomy re- 

 sembling those of the Falconidce, we find in the 

 birds about to be considered, striking modifica- 

 tions in external characters, fitting them for ac- 



* Mag. Zool. and Bot. ii. 46. 



