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Genus VI.— BUBO, Cuvier. HORNED-OWL. 
Bill short, stout, broader than high at the base, compressed toward the 
end ; upper mandible with its dorsal line curved from the base, the edges 
with a slight festoon, the tip trigonal, very acute ; lower mandible with the 
dorsal line convex, the tip obliquely truncate. Nostrils broadly elliptical, 
aperture of ear elliptical, less than half the height of the head, without 
operculum. Feet of ordinary length ; tarsi and toes feathered. Plumage 
full and very soft ; facial disks complete ; a tuft of elongated feathers on 
each side of the crown of the head. Wings ample, the first quill short, the 
fourth longest. Tail of ordinary length, rounded. 
THE GREAT HORNED OWL. 
Bubo vieginianus, Gmel. 
„ PLATE XXXIX. — Male and Female. 
It is during the placid serenity of a beautiful summer night, when the 
current of the waters moves silently along, reflecting from its smooth surface 
the silver radiance of the moon, and when all else of animated nature seems 
sunk in repose, that the Great Horned Owl, one of the Nimrods of the 
feathered tribes of our forests, may be seen sailing silently and yet rapidly 
on, intent on the destruction of the objects destined to form his food. The 
lone steersman of the descending boat observes the nocturnal hunter, gliding 
on extended pinions across the river, sailing over one hill and then another, 
or suddenly sweeping downwards, and again rising in the air like a moving 
shadow, now distinctly seen, and again mingling with the sombre shades of 
the surrounding woods, fading into obscurity. The bark has now floated to 
some distance, and is Opposite the newly cleared patch of ground, the result 
of a squatter’s first attempt at cultivation, in a place lately shaded by the 
trees of the forest. The moon shines brightly on his hut, his slight fence, 
the newly planted orchard, and a tree, which, spared by the axe, serves as a 
roosting-place for the scanty stock of poultry which the new comer has pro- 
cured from some liberal neighbour. Amongst them rests a Turkey-hen, 
covering her offspring with extended wings. The Great Owl, with eyes 
keen as those of any falcon, is now seen hovering above the place. He has 
