THE OWL. 
93 
of violence for which he persecutes the owl. 
He will kill the smaller birds, and, what is 
worse, plunder the nests of his neighbours ; 
and either suck the eggs or devour the young 
ones, just as it may happen. He is attacked, 
in his turn, by the parent birds ; and by a 
large crowd of sympathising friends, who come 
to their assistance, and who have young ones 
of their own to defend. Then the blue jay 
undergoes precisely the same treatment he is 
so fond of bestowing on the owl, and is beaten 
about, and driven away with every species of 
insult. 
But when twilight steals over the forest, 
the owl is a different being. His eyes be- 
come full and sparkling, and glare like balls 
of fire. His sight is as quick now, as it 
was dim and indistinct before. His appetite 
is keen, for he has fasted all day ; and woe 
be to the unfortunate birds who may chance 
to be abroad, and fall in his way ! His 
plumage is so fine and soft that he makes no 
noise as he flies ; and before they know he is 
there, he pounces suddenly upon them, and 
seizes them with his sharp claws. But if he 
utters a note, his harsh, discordant voice, heard 
