BIRDS OF PREY 175 



are their friends, and they will not let them be molested 

 when they are found in or around the farm buildings. 

 A senseless freak of fashion has lately set a price on 

 their heads. It ought to be discountenanced. 



The brown owl is a bird of the woods. He is a 

 sturdy fellow, and a powerful one considering his 

 size. The keeper shows his feelings towards him by 

 a charge of shot when he has the chance, for he has 

 a bad name. If all the accusations preferred against 

 him were true, they would prove him to be capable 

 of miraculous feats. I have known him to be credited 

 with unlimited mischief, such as it would be impossible 

 for him to do. When in confinement he takes things 

 very easily. A feathered philosopher of the Epicurean 

 school he is, for he eats, drinks, and sleeps to his 

 heart's content. He is not so particular in his diet 

 as the white owl. Almost any animal food will suit 

 him, provided there is enough of it. His food when 

 in a wild state consists of any birds or animals he 

 can capture. It is the brown owl more than any 

 other that hoots ; he makes the woods echo with his 

 Hoo-hoo ! Hoo-hoo ! 



The long-eared owl is also a bird of the woods, 

 but lighter in make. He preys on nearly the same 

 creatures as the brown owl. 



The short-eared owl is smaller, but very like his 



