290 OWLS. 



rather think the tool-house, from being closely shut up, 

 with only two small holes for air, was too hot for birds of 

 such warm plumage hence their thirst. These owls were 

 not of the same brood ; one (the male) was a bright tawny, 

 the other sober brown. After remaining eight months at 

 large, these most interesting pets took their departure 

 about the time of incubation. Their hooting was occa- 

 sionally heard some distance off, but they never returned 

 to their former abode. 



I have now supplied their place by another pair of white 

 or barn owls. They are, however, kept close prisoners by 

 a wire door, which admits plenty of air into the tool-house. 

 The habits of these owls are less nocturnal than those of 

 the ivy ones. They frequently feed in the day-time, but 

 I have never seen them drink, although supplied with 

 water. They do hoot, but very rarely. I heard one six 

 times in succession, and then it ceased. Their music is a 

 little different from the brown owl's. It is only one pro- 

 longed cadence, lower and not so mournful as the first hoot 

 of the tawny fellow. They never utter the second juggling 

 whoop of that owl, at least that I have heard. In fact, 

 the habits of the white owl are to be so constantly on wing, 

 beating hedgerows and fields for mice, that he seldom 

 allows himself time for any nocturnal melody, except what 

 he can utter during his silky flight. This is a most harsh 

 scream, and has rightly dubbed him the screech owl. My 

 tame ones very often give a sort of complaining squeak 

 like a very young pig. This is repeated sometimes for 

 hours. It may be that they are dissatisfied at not being 



