90 — Mr. Peabody on the 
try. They are not destitute of sight by day, but 
they move doubtfully, as if uncertain of the character 
of the objects near them ; in the night, they are quick 
and active, and if domesticated for the purpose, are 
said to make excellent mousers. So delicate is their 
plumage and so noiseless their motion, that we are 
told by Audubon, he was aware that one was flying 
directly over his head, only by its shadow cast by 
the moonlight on the ground; though it was only 
a few yards distant and flying fast, he could not 
hear the least. rustling of its wings. Their cry is 
loud and discordant, resembling a forced burst of 
laughter, and makes a strange contrast with the soli- 
tude and silence of the night. 
The barred owl is often offered for sale in the - 
New Orleans market, and by some is considered pal- 
atable food. Audubon says that the snowy owl is ; 
good eating, but they are so catlike in their habits, - 
that, before they could meet with much favor, on 
the table, a considerable been of prejudice must 
be overcome. 
The AcapraN or LrrTLE Own, Strit Ucadica, is 
found in Massachusetts, but lives so retired, by day; 
that it is not generally known. Iti is’ a beautiful and 
animated bird, with a note singularly discordant, 
resembling the filing of a saw. Widubsr one day, 
walking near his: saw-mill, heard this sound pro- 
ceeding from it, and finding the door locked, went to 
the miller’s house, to ascertain who was engaged 
in filing the saw. There he ascertained that th 
little owl which had a nest hard by was the author 
E E. 
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