CHAPTER III. 

 STRIGID.E THE OWLS. 



IF the Eagle enjoyed distinction as the favourite of Jove, and 

 its plume was sought for by the North American Indian, and 

 by the Highland chief in Scotland, as a mark of nobility ; or if 

 the Hawk was held sacred by the Turks and Egyptians, and 

 had respect shown to it alive or dead, and is still found em- 

 balmed in the mummy pits on the borders of the Nile ; not a 

 whit behindhand is the Owl in honour, consecrated by the most 

 learned nation of old to their tutelary Deity, the Goddess of 

 Wisdom. And, indeed, there is a great deal in the appearance, 

 character, and habits of this bird to warrant such a distinction : 

 there is such a remarkably wise expression in its face, it has 

 such a dignified look, its movements are so deliberate, grave and 

 solemn, that we are ready to agree with the Athenians, and to 

 set down the Owl as the very emblem and personification of 

 learning. And yet again, when we examine the bird, and observe 

 the large facial disk, or ruff of feathers encircling the face, 

 giving it the most grotesque appearance; while peeping forth 

 from this circular fringe and almost buried in it, projects the 

 short strong hooked beak: when we observe the large staring 

 eyes, glaring forth so solemnly from their ruff, and the head so 

 large and apparently so out of proportion, the figure before us 

 is at once so grave and so ludicrous, so dignified and so grotesque, 

 that we are in doubt whether to put it down as a very wise or 

 a very foolish bird. But apart from its appearance, very interest- 

 ing is the whole family of owls, and well worthy of observation: 

 plunderers though they are, and living by what they can murder, 



