156 OWLS. 



dispute with others of their own size, yet when pressed, they 

 show considerable spirit and skill in defending themselves. 

 One, which had been slightly wounded in the wing, was, when 

 cured, placed in a large pen with a Sparrow-hawk, which had 

 been some time confined there, and with whom, it was hoped, 

 a new companion might live on friendly terms ; but no sooner 

 were they left to themselves, than the Hawk fell upon the 

 Owl, and a furious battle began. But the Owl, so far from 

 showing fear, defended itself most gallantly. He threw him- 

 self on his back, and awaited the charge of his enemy with 

 patience and preparation, and by dint of fighting and scratch- 

 ing, preserved himself from injury. As long as they 

 remained together, these battles were frequently repeated, 

 and further acquaintanceship did not seem likely to ripen into 

 friendship. Whether they would in the end have come to 

 better terms cannot be known, as, after a time, the Owl's wing 

 having gained strength, it took advantage of a favourable 

 opportunity, and contrived to escape, leaving the Hawk in full 

 possession of their joint prison. 



One other species of Owl only shall we notice, which has a 

 very different way of living and lodging from those already 

 alluded to. It is called the Burrowing Owl (Strix cunicu- 

 laria). It is widely spread over the American continent, 

 both North and South, though only to be met with in par- 

 ticular parts of each, where circumstances combine to make 

 its residence convenient. It gets its name of Burrowing 

 Owl, from the singular retreat it invariably prefers. Other 

 birds of this family resort to solitary reces'ses in woods and 

 forests, or ruined buildings; but this delights to dwell in open 

 plains, in company with animals remarkable for their social 

 disposition. 



Lucien Buonaparte, the brother of Napoleon, who for many 

 years lived in North America, and became a celebrated natu- 

 ralist, thus speaks of it : " Instead of sailing heavily forth in 

 the obscurity of the evening or morning t twilight, and then 

 retreating to its abode, this birds enjoys the broadest glare of 

 the noon-day sun, and flying rapidly along, searches for food 

 or pleasure, during the cheerful light of the day ; and then 



