BARRED OWL. 



63 



diflfer little from bristles ; those that surround the region of the eyes 

 are exceeding open, and unwebbed ; these are bounded by another 

 set, generally proceeding from the external edge of the ear, of a 

 most peculiar small narrow velvetty kind, whose fibres are so ex- 

 quisitely fine as to be invisible to the naked eye; above, the plumage 

 has one general character at the surface, calculated to repel rain 

 and moisture ; but towards the roots it is of the most soft, loose and 

 downy substance in nature, so much so that it may be touched with- 

 out being felt; the webs of the wing quills are also of a delicate 

 softness, covered with an almost imperceptible hair, and edged 

 with a loose silky down, so that the owner passes through the air 

 without interrupting the most profound silence. Who cannot per- 

 ceive the hand of God in all these things ! 



