165 
instances we suspect the descriptions were 
taken from preserved specimens 
The drawing for the plate accompanying 
this article was made from a living specimen 
in the possession of J. D. Downes, Esq. 
This species is found in many parts of Eu- 
rope, but is very rare in England. It has 
been taken in Yorkshire, Flintshire, and in 
the neighbourhood of London. It seldom 
haunts woods ; its ordinary abode being among 
solitary buildings, caverns, and old deserted 
ruins ; and according to Buffon it never lodges 
in hollow trees. 
Spallanzani, who reared several of these 
birds, in order to become acquainted with 
their instincts and habits, assures us that they 
are of a very wild disposition, and the young ? 
when taken even in the earliest state, soon ex- 
hibit a ferocious character, and differs total- 
ly in temper and manners from the Scops or 
Little Horned Owl. 
Sonnini appears to differ in opinion with 
Spallanzani ; speaking of this species of Owl, 
he says that " the Little Owl is still less shy. 
Several shots that I fired, in order to procure 
a couple, did not frighten them sufficiently to 
