particularly to affect the dense plantations of conifers 

 that form such favourite retreats for the Barn-Owl. 

 The present bird is an early breeder, the young being 

 often strong on the wing by the beginning of May : 

 the usual site of its nursery is a spacious hollow in the 

 trunk or large limb of an old tree, but I have known 

 several instances of its laying in rabbit-burrows or 

 amongst tree-roots above ground, and one or two of 

 its having taken possession of an old nest of Crow or 

 Wood-Pigeon. Shakespeare has rendered the hoot of 

 the Tawny Owl famous for all time; and though I 

 cannot quite agree with the bard in considering it as 

 a "merry note," it is exceedingly pleasant to my ears, 

 and brings back memories of the happy days when Owls 

 were to me birds of mystery, now dispelled by years 

 and diligent study of their habits, which have led me to 

 a full appreciation of the beauty and infinite merits of 

 these unpaid friends of man. 



