OWL. 
415 
This is widely different from the opinion enter- 
tained of the white owl by the Mongol and Kal- 
muc Tartars, who almost pay it divine honours, be- 
cause they attribute to this species the preservation 
of the founder of their empire, Cingis Khan. That 
prince with his small army happened to be surprised 
and put to flight by his enemies, and forced to 
conceal himself in a little coppice ; an owl settled 
on the bush under which he was hid, and induced 
his pursuers not to search there, as they thought it 
impossible any man could be concealed in a place 
where that bird would perch. From henceforth, 
says Mr. Pennant, they held it to be sacred, and 
every one wore a plume of the feathers of this spe- 
cies on his head. 
M. Buffon assures us, that these owls will not 
live in a state of confinement. He caught several 
by placing a small net at the holes where they lodge 
in old buildings : but they refused all nourishment, 
and, after being shut up ten or twelve days in the 
aviary, died of hunger. In the day-time they re- 
mained quite motionless upon the floor ; but in the 
evening they mounted the highest perch and began 
their hissing noise. The count supposed this note 
to be designed as a call for their old companions 
without, as they were frequently visited by others 
who came and perched upon the roof of the aviary, 
where they made the same dismal hissing, and soon 
after permitted themselves to be taken in a net. 
Some of the species, and particularly this kind, 
are of great service to the farmer in clearing his 
