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THE GREAT HORNED OWL. 



Strix virginiana, Gmel. 



PLATE LXI. Male and Fesiale. 



It is during the placid serenity of a beautiful summer night, when 

 the current of the waters moves silently along, reflecting from its smooth 

 surface the silver radiance of the moon, and when aU else of animated na- 

 ture seems sunk in repose, that the Great Horned Owl, one of the Nimrods 

 of the feathered tribes of our forests, may be seen sailing silently and 

 yet rapidly on, intent on the destruction of the objects destined to form 

 his food. The lone steersman of the descending boat observes the noc- 

 turnal hunter, gliding on extended pinions across the river, saihng over 

 one hill and then another, or suddenly sweeping downwards, and again 

 rising in the air hke a moving shadow, now distinctly seen, and again 

 minghng with the sombre shades of the surrounding woods, fading into 

 obscurity. The bark has now floated to some distance, and is opposite 

 the newly cleared patch of ground, the result of a squatter's first at- 

 tempt at cultivation, in a place lately shaded by the trees of the forest. 

 The moon shines brightly on his hut, his slight fence, the newly planted 

 orchard, and a tree, which, spared by the axe, serves as a roosting-place 

 for the scanty stock of poultry which the new comer has procured from 

 some Uberal neighbour. Amongst them rests a Turkey-hen, covering 

 her ofl^spring with extended wings. The Great Owl, with eyes keen as 

 those of any falcon, is now seen hovering above the place. He has al- 

 ready espied the quarry, and is saihng in wide circles meditating his 

 plan of attack. The Turkey-hen, which at another time might be sound 

 asleep, is now, however, so intent on the care of her young brood, that 

 she rises on her legs and purs so loudly, as she opens her wings and 

 spreads her tail, that she rouses her neighbours, the hens, together with 

 their protector. The cackhngs which they at first emit soon become a 

 general clamour. The squatter hears the uproar, and is on his feet in an in- 

 stant, rifle in hand ; the priming examined, he gently pushes open his half 

 closed door, and peeps out cautiously, to ascertain the cause by which 

 liis repose has been disturbed. He observes the murderous Owl just 

 alighting on the dead branch of a tall tree, when, raising his never-failing 



