LAP OWL. 119 



published in 1831, where it is described at great length 

 and minuteness by Swainson. The following is Dr. 

 Richardson's account : — 



"This bird is the largest of the North American 

 Owls; it was first described by Latham in his "Synop- 

 sis," page 134. It is by no means a rare bird in the 

 fur countries, being an inhabitant of all the woody 

 districts lying between Lake Superior and latitude 67 

 or 68, and between Hudson's Bay and the Pacific. It 

 is common on the borders of Great Bear Lake, and 

 there and in the higher parallels of latitude it must 

 pursue its prey during the summer months by day-light. 

 It keeps however within the woods, and does not fre- 

 quent the barren ground like the Snowy Owl, but 

 hunts principally when the sun is low; indeed it is 

 only at such times when the recesses of the woods are 

 deeply shadowed that the American hare and the 

 marine animals, upon which it chiefly preys, come forth 

 to feed. On the 23rd. of May I discovered a nest of 

 this Owl built on the top of a lofty balsam poplar, 

 made of sticks and lined with feathers. It contained 

 three young, which were covered with whitish down. 

 We got them by felling the tree, which was remarkably 

 thick; and whilst this operation was going on, the two 

 parent birds flew in circles round the objects of their 

 care; keeping however so high in the air as to be out 

 of gunshot: they did not appear to be dazzled by the 

 light. The young ones were kept alive for two months, 

 when they made their escape. 



They had the habits common also to other Owls, of 

 throwing themselves back and making a loud snapping 

 noise with their bills when any one entered the room 

 where they were kept." 



To this account Mr. Swainson adds, "This bird has 



