280 Life and Immortality. 



by what appeared to be the feeble tones of a distant bell. 

 But in nearing the spot whence the sounds emanated, they 

 apparently shifted from point to point, being heard at one 

 time close by, and at the next moment in the distance, now on 

 the left, then on the right, and as often in the rear as in the 

 front. Finally the author of these sounds was discovered at 

 the entrance of his burrow in a birch-tree. Stationing him- 

 self at the base of the tree in full view of the bird who 

 was calling to his partner, Mr. McCullock had a splendid 

 opportunity of observing an exhibition of his singular and 

 exceptional ventriloquial powers. 



Smooth, gliding and noiseless is the flight of this Owl, 

 and but slightly elevated and protracted. When seeking 

 for food he may be seen sailing over low meadows in the 

 neighborhood of his accustomed haunts, or, perched upon a 

 stump or fence-rail adjoining thereto, quietly gazing in every 

 direction for whatever of life may chance to manifest itself, 

 which he seizes with remarkable adroitness, even sometimes 

 venturing to assail prey larger than himself. The smaller 

 birds, awakened from their perch by his cries, fall ready vic- 

 tims to his rapacity. 



Hollow trees, or the deserted nests of other species, are 

 selected for breeding-quarters. The eggs, varying from four 

 to six in number, are pure white, sub-spherical, of crystalline 

 clearness, and measure one and one-eighth by one and seven- 

 eighths inches. The food of this interesting little Owl, 

 which is not so large as a robin, though appearing bulkier, 

 consists of small quadrupeds and birds, but chiefly of 

 various species of insects. 



When taken quite young, and held in confinement, this 

 Owl becomes quite tame, permitting strangers as well as his 

 keeper to handle him with the utmost freedom, without so 

 much as resenting such familiarity. But a greater attach- 

 ment is manifested towards the master whom he is able to 

 recognize by the sound of his voice, and in whose presence 

 he is peculiarly fascinating and agreeable. 



