926 



The Baex-Owl. 



[Jan., 



remain practically the same. Moreover, from the Eastern and 

 Midland counties of England a large series of pellets has been 

 received and examined, and in view of the results obtained, it 

 seems very desirable to re-state the case for this useful and 

 interesting species, particularly at a time when farm vermin has 



Fig. 1.— The Barn Owl [Strix flammea). i 



greatly increased and is imposing a severe tax upon the agricul- 

 turist. Too often the farmer and landowner do not bear in mind 

 the enormous number of rats, mice and voles that are destroyed 

 by this and other species of wild birds. If any professional rat- 

 catcher were to guarantee the destruction of a tithe of these, he 

 would be welcome to take payment in a brace or two of game 

 birds; — 



