RAPACIOUS BIRDS. 93 



when it would rouse itself, and come in hopes of 

 being fed. One of its most striking peculiarities 

 is said to have been its great fondness for music. 

 It would often come into the drawing-room of an 

 evening, on the shoulder of one of the children, 

 and, on hearing the tones of the piano, would sit 

 with its eyes fixed gravely upon the instrument, and 

 its head on one side, in an attitude of attention ; 

 when, suddenly spreading its wings, it would 

 alight on the keys and making a dart at the per- 

 former's fingers with its beak, would continue 

 hopping about as if pleased with the execution. 



After a while, the flights of this owl into the 

 woods became longer, and he only returned at. 

 dusk to receive his usual supper. By-and-by it 

 was observed that he did not devour his meal in 

 the kitchen as formerly, but fled along the 

 passage, dragging the meat with him, till he 

 reached the garden door, when he flew with it to 

 a part of the shrubbery ; on being followed, it 

 was discovered that he had brought with him a 

 companion who, not having courage to accompany 

 him the whole way, remained at a respectful dis- 

 tance to receive his bounty. After having sup- 

 plied his visitor in this manner, he returned to 

 the kitchen and leisurely devoured his own por- 

 tion. This practice was continued for some 

 months, till at length one evening he was missed 



