VERMIN 137 



the country centuries before game-preservation was ever 

 thought of, and, strange to say, they were followed and 

 devoured by short-eared owls. Perhaps the earliest 

 record we have of mice plagues is found in i Samuel 

 vi., where it is stated that the Philistines made golden 

 images of "the mice that mar the land." 



I would also spare the barn owl, for the following 

 reasons : he is a splendid mouse-destroyer, is now rare, 

 and is a beautiful object in nature. This bird is common 

 in most parts of the south country, especially amongst 

 spruce woods, where it sits screened from observation 

 during the day. It is easily known by the " horns " or 

 tufts of feathers on its head. Usually selecting the old 

 nest of a pigeon or carrion-crow, it deposits its eggs, 

 generally five in number, and few birds display more 

 faithfulness and bravery in defence of their nest and 

 young. After a heavy shower of snow and severe frost 

 the following night, in the month of March, I have seen 

 one frozen to the nest, though, lifelike, covering her 

 eggs. 



Long-eared owls are very destructive among 

 pigeons, and occasionally among young game, but the 

 sparing of them must be left to the good sense of the 

 keeper, who should endeavour to satisfy himself as to 

 how far their destruction would be justified. The same 

 remark applies to the jay, the rook, and the jackdaw. 



Legislation has recently been cutting very queer 

 antics. A Bill has passed through Parliament, and been 

 put upon the Statute Book, abolishing the pole-trap, or 



