156 
OWLS. 
dispute with others of their own size, yet when pressed, they 
show considerable spirit and skill in defending themselves. 
One, which had been slightly wounded in the wing, was, when 
cured, placed in a large pen with a Sparrow-hawk, which had 
been some time confined there, and with whom, it was hoped, 
a new companion might live on friendly terms ; hut no sooner 
were they left to themselves, than the Hawk fell upon the 
Owl, and a furious battle began. But the Owl, so far from 
showing fear, defended itself most gallantly. He threw him- 
self on his hack, and awaited the charge of his enemy with 
patience and preparation, and by dint of fighting and scratch- 
ing, preserved himself from injury. As long as they 
remained together, these battles were frequently repeated, 
and further acquaintanceship did not seem likely to ripen into 
friendship. Whether they would in the end have come to 
better terms cannot he known, as, after a time, the Owl’s wing 
having gained strength, it took advantage of a favourable 
opportunity, and contrived to escape, leaving the Hawk in full 
possession of their joint prison. 
One other species of Owl only shall we notice, which has a 
very different way of living and lodging, from those already 
alluded to. It is called the Burrowing Owl (Strix cunicu- 
larid). It is widely spread over the American continent, 
both North and South, though only to he met with in par- 
ticular parts of each, where circumstances combine to make 
its residence convenient. It gets its name of Burrowing 
Owl, from the singular retreat it invariably prefers. Other 
birds of this family resort to solitary recesses in woods and 
forests, or ruined buildings, but this delights to dwell in open 
plains, in company with animals remarkable for their social 
disposition. 
Lucien Buonaparte, the brother of Napoleon, who for many 
years lived in North America, and became a celebrated natu- 
ralist, thus speaks of it : — “ Instead of sailing heavily forth in 
the obscurity of the evening or morning twilight, and then 
retreating to its abode, this bird enjoys the broadest glare of 
the noon- day sun, and flying rapidly along, searches for food 
or pleasure, during the cheerful light of the day ; and then 
