306 
SNOWY" OWL. 
but retires with the ptarmigan, on which it preys, 
to more sheltered districts in winter.” It has been 
“ now and then known to wander as far south as 
Florida.”* 
Mr Edmonstone’s description of the habits in 
a wild state appears the most complete we have 
yet read, and is taken from observation. 
It rests generally beneath some stony projec- 
tion, which protects it from the direct influence of 
the sun ; and some instances have occurred of its 
being surprised asleep dining the day, and for- 
feiting its life to its supineness. 
Its form and manner are highly elegant; its 
flight less buoyant, and more rapid, than that of 
the other Owls ; and the superior boldness and 
activity of its disposition, the uncommon size of 
its talons, and vigour of its limbs, secure it against 
danger from feathered enemies. 
It affects solitary, stony, and elevated districts, 
which, by the similarity to it in colour of the 
rocks, render it difficult to be discovered, and by 
the inequalities of their surface, afford it shelter 
from the rays of the sun ; but on the approach of 
twilight, it may be seen perching on the exposed 
eminences. It then quits its haunts and frequents 
the cultivated fields, prowling over the low grounds 
in quest of mice and small birds "When first 
* Northern Zoology, ii. p. 88. 
