162 HOME LIFE ON AN OSTRICH FARM. 



entirely changing its form at a moment's notice was a 

 little owl we have since had in Tangier. This was a 

 delightful pet, full of character and intelligence, though 

 but a tiny thing not more than four inches high a 

 good part of this height consisting of the two long, ear- 

 like tufts of feathers on the head. The absurd little 

 fellow, who looked like one of the owl pepper-pots 

 come to life, had many amusing ways; but what de- 

 lighted us most about him was the startling abruptness 

 with which not only his manner, but his whole appear- 

 ance, even his shape, would change as if by magic, 

 according to his frame of mind. He would sit, for in- 

 stance, in a contemplative attitude, his eyes sleepily 

 half-closed, his " ears " sticking up very straight, and 

 his body looking extremely long and thin, as long as no 

 one was interfering with him; but once disturb his 

 repose, and instantly he would change his shape and 

 become a fat little ball of soft fluffiness ; a grey powder- 

 puff with no ears visible, and two great yellow eyes 

 glaring at you with the most ireful expression. 



Unfortunately, relying too much on the tameness of 

 our owl, and fearful of spoiling his beauty, we neglected 

 the precaution of cutting one of his wings, in conse- 

 quence of which we were one day left lamenting this 

 prettiest of North African pets ; and though we tried 

 hard to procure another, explaining, with the little 

 amount of Spanish at our command, to all the small 

 boys in Tangier that we wanted " un pajarito con ore- 

 jas" ("a little bird with ears,") we never looked upon 

 his like again, and I imagine he must have been an 

 uncommon bird. 



