3 78 
OWLS. 
under human observation, can be but little known ; 
but the few particulars we have been able to collect, 
completely justify the above remarks. Thus, that its 
snowy plumage is essential to its means of existence 
may be gathered from circumstances relating to a 
couple that were shot in the severe winter of 1 823, in 
Northumberland. They had, for some days before 
they were killed, been observed in the wild and rocky 
parts of an open moor, either perched upon the snow, 
or on some large solitary stone projecting from it, from 
whence, without attracting notice by any contrasting 
colour, they could look out for their prey, and be 
prepared to seize it as it incautiously approached. 
As the smaller species hunt for mice, so does this 
search for hares and rabbits, on which it pounces; 
and in a similar manner, swallows them when pos- 
sible, whole; a fact ascertained in the case of one 
shot at and wounded in the island of Balta, which, 
on being approached, disgorged an entire young 
rabbit; another when taken, had a Sandpiper, with 
the whole plumage, in its stomach. As they were 
often found dead by Captain Sir Edward Parry, who 
spent so many months in their most frequented 
neighbourhood, it is concluded that they frequently 
perish from want of food ; indeed, their eagerness to 
partake of the hunters’ fare, and carry off the spoil 
in his presence, is a proof that they must often he se- 
verely pressed by hunger. Sportsmen in the north* 
assure us that they keep watch on some high tree 
or lofty rock, and the moment the gun is fired, and 
the game killed, they descend, and skimming rapidly 
down, secure the prey before the shooter is able to 
get near it. 
* Hearne's Travels . 
