414 
OWL. 
return, the foremost of his enemies is sure to be- 
come his prey. The bird-catchers profit by this 
public and declared aversion; for, having previously 
smeared the branches of a hedge with bird-lime, 
they conceal themselves, and, by imitating the owl, 
draw together a number of little birds, who, instead 
of avenging themselves upon their inveterate enemy, 
are stuck fast in the hedge. 
None of this tribe of birds have made so strong 
an impression upon the superstitious minds of the 
vulgar as the white owl, whose habits and voice 
conspire to make him an object of terror. Towers, 
belfries, the roofs of churches, and other lofty 
buildings, afford this creature a retreat during the 
day, where he remains snoring like a man who 
sleeps with his mouth open, till the evening is suf- 
ficiently advanced for him to seek his prey. About 
twilight this owl is seen flitting about the church- 
yards, and screeching most tremendously ; which, 
joined to the awfulness of the scene, re-echoed from 
the tombs and cloysters in the stillness of the night, 
inspire dread and terror in the minds of all those 
who are under the influence of prejudice, and who 
believe in omens, witchcraft, and apparitions. This 
bird has long been considered by them as the mes- 
senger of death ; and they are impressed with an 
idea, that if it perches upon a house and begins to 
scream, the inhabitant will soon be numbered with 
the dead. 
ff Perched on the roof the bird of night complains. 
In lengthened shrieks, and dire funereal strains.” 
