BIRDS OF THE NIGHT. 279 



than a Robin. The resemblance of the Owl to the feline 

 race has been a frequent subject of remark. Like the 

 cat, he sees most clearly by twilight or the light of the 

 moon, seeks his prey in the night, and spends the greater 

 part of the day in sleep. This likeness is made stronger 

 by his earlike tufts of feathers, that correspond with the 

 ears of a quadruped ; by his large head ; his round, full, 

 and glaring eyes, set widely apart ; by the extreme con- 

 tractility of the pupil ; and by his peculiar habit of sur- 

 prising his victims by watchfulness and stealth. His 

 eyes are partially encircled by a disk of feathers, giving 

 a remarkably significant expression to his face. His 

 hooked bill, turned downwards so as to resemble the nose 

 in the human face, the general flatness of his features, 

 and his upright position produce a grave and intelligent 

 look. It was this expression that caused him to be 

 selected by the ancients as the emblem of wisdom and 

 to be consecrated to Minerva. 



The Owl is remarkable for the acuteness of his hearing, 

 having a large ear-drum and being provided with an ap- 

 paratus by which he can exalt this faculty when he wishes 

 to listen with great attention. Hence, while he is noise- 

 less in his own motions, he is able to perceive the least 

 sound from the motion of any other object, and overtakes 

 his prey by coming upon it in silence and darkness. The 

 stillness of his flight adds mystery to his character, and 

 assists in making him an object of superstitious dread. 

 Aware of his defenceless condition in the bright daylight, 

 when his purblindness would prevent him from evading 

 the attacks of his enemies, he seeks some secure retreat 

 where he may pass the day unexposed to observation. 



It is this necessity which has caused him to make his 

 abode in desolate and ruined buildings, in old towers 

 and belfries, and in the crevices of dilapidated walls. In 

 these places he hides from the sight of other birds, who 



