86 NATURALIST'S CABINET. 



Description. 



CHAP. V. 



" Sare that from yonder ivy-mantled tow'r, 

 The moping owl does to the moon complai* 



Of such as wand'ring near her secret bow'r, 

 Molest her ancient solitary reign." 



THE BROWN OWL. 



THIS bird is in general, about a foot in length ; 

 and is spotted with black on the head, wings, 

 and back. The breast is of a pale ash-colour, 

 with dusky, longitudinal streaks ; and round the 

 eyes is an ash-coloured circle, spotted with 

 brown. 



This is one of the most rapacious of the owl 

 species. It resides in the thickest parts of the 

 woods during the day; but at the approach of 

 night, when many animals, as hares, rabbits, and 

 partridges, come out to feed, it begins to be very 

 active and clamorous: and its depredations are 

 truly surprising. In the dusk of evening, the 

 brown owls approach the farmers' dwellings ; and 

 frequently enter the pigeon-houses, where they 



