OWLS. 155 



own exertions, and usually drive them off to shift for them- 

 selves in distant haunts. 



It may be readily concluded, from this instance, how much 

 game must be destroyed by a pair of these large Owls, during 

 the time they rear their young. Our Barn-Owl is, by many, 

 accused of being equally injurious to game ; but experienced 

 sportsmen are most of them of opinion, that game is rather 

 preserved than destroyed by them : the great destruction, 

 exclusive of poaching, proceeding from weasels, stoats, rats,&c., 

 which suck the eggs, and in one night will destroy a whole 

 -brood. Now Owls, although they may occasionally kill a 

 bird or two, of which, however, we have considerable doubts, 

 (for by night, young Partridges and Pheasants are in safe 

 keeping under their mothers' wings,) live chiefly on small 

 vermin, as we have seen; and in proportion as the Owls 

 are destroyed, these noxious animals may be expected to 

 increase. 



That small birds, generally speaking, have a great dislike 

 to Owls is clear, from the uproar that takes place if an 

 unfortunate Owl is disturbed in the day -time, and compelled 

 to appear in broad day-light ; pursued, as it is sure to be, by 

 a host of them, who persecute it by every means in their 

 power. And we may therefore conclude, that they either 

 take it for their real enemy, the Hawk, or that it does, now 

 and then, when it can, feast upon any of them which may, by 

 accident, fall into its clutches. 



Of this antipathy the bird-catchers in Italy know how to 

 take advantage, it being customary with them to decoy small 

 birds to lime-twigs, by tethering an Owl by the leg with a 

 long string, which is thus kept hopping, and beating the 

 ground, without being able to escape. The bird-catcher then 

 hides himself behind a tree, and makes a chirping, which calls 

 the small birds together; and on seeing the Owl, they gradually 

 approach nearer, and finding him unable to resist, become so 

 bold, that they at length come within the line of twigs, and 

 are made prisoners themselves. 



Though apparently cowardly birds, and never the first to 



