BIRDS OF PREY. 15 



mains of the birds consisting of nineteen 

 sparrows, one greenfinch, and two swifts. 



The Tawny and Long-eared Owls of our 

 woodlands are also mighty hunters, and an 

 examination of their pellets shows equally 

 interesting evidence. It must be remembered 

 in this connection that Britain is essentially 

 an agricultural country ; and that if its fauna 

 is a diminutive one, it is not the less for- 

 midable. We have ten tiny creatures, con- 

 stituting an army in themselves, that, if not 

 kept under, would quickly devastate our fields. 

 These ten species consist of four Mice, three 

 Yoles, and three Shrews — individually so tiny, 

 that any one species could comfortably curl 

 itself up in the divided shell of a chestnut. 

 But farmers well know that if these are small 

 they are by no means to be despised. When 

 the corn crops are cut, and the hay housed, 

 the Field-vole and the Meadow-mouse are de- 

 prived of their summer shelter. Of this the 

 Barn Owl is perfectly aware, and at evening 

 may be seen sweeping low over the meadows, 

 seeking what it may capture — with what re- 

 sults we have already seen. 



Much unnatural history has been written of 



