] i T.. Barn Owl, White Owl, or Screech Owl 
j is undoubtedly a very good friend to the 
farmer, and practically “ neutral” as far as the gamekeeper 
is concerned. For although, on very rare occasions, it may 
make free with a young chicken, its food consists almost 
entirely of mice, voles, shrews, bats, and sparrows. This 
cg 
may be proved by an examination of the “ pellets,” con- 
sisting of the indigestible portions of the food, which are found 
in large quantities wherever these birds make their nests. 
An examination of some seven hundred of these, conducted 
9 
