OWLS. 
187 
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 himself on his back, and awaited the charge 
of his enemy with patience and preparation, and by 
dint of fighting and scratching, 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 be 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 Bur- 
rowing Owl ( Strix cunicularia.') It is widely spread 
over the American continent, both North and South, 
though only to be met with in particular parts of 
each, where circumstances combine, to make its resi- 
dence convenient. It gets its name of Burrowing 
Owl, from the singular retreat it invariably prefers. 
• Other birds of this family resort to solitary re- 
cesses in woods and forests, or ruined buildings, 
but this delights to dwell in open plains, in com- 
