STRANGE FRIENDSHIP. 
So ee widely distributed throughout temperate 
North America, but nowhere very abundant, is the 
little Acadian Owl, or Saw-whet Owl, as he is popularly 
designated. In Eastern Pennsylvania he seems notably scarce, 
but this may be attributed to his pre-eminently nocturnal 
and secluded habits. Being a denizen of dense pine forests, 
and only venturing abroad in quest of food at the close of 
the day, his presence and numbers remain to many a 
mystery. Hollow trees, and the dark caverns of rocks, are 
his natural retreats, and as these are to be met with largely 
in densely-timbered regions and sequestered localities, he is 
seldom, if ever, seen in close proximity to human habita- 
tions. He seemingly shuns rather than courts the society 
of man. When routed from his burrow in the broad glare 
of day he becomes very much bewildered, and is scarcely 
able to escape the approach of danger. 
The common appellation of Saw-whet Owl, which is 
applied to the species, owes its origin to the close resem- 
blance which the notes of the bird bear to the noise produced 
by the filing of asaw. These notes are so deceptive, that 
persons unacquainted with their source have fancied them- 
selves in the vicinity of a saw-mill, or in near presence to a 
woodman occupied in whetting a saw. Audubon, hearing 
these notes in a thicket for the first time, was thus deceived. 
The same distinguished writer gives, on the authority of Mr. 
McCullock, an interesting description not only of the notes 
of this Owl, but also of his remarkable powers of ventril- 
oquism. Ona certain occasion his informant was aroused 
