Mr. E. Fountaine on the Nesting of a pair of Eagle Owls. 273 
tions. The old ones meanwhile had never ceased to ring their 
alarm note, and angrily tap the neighbouring trees; but before 
we lost sight of the well-known spot, I was pleased to see the 
mother boldly re-enter her violated abode to comfort her asto¬ 
nished but undaunted offspring, who suffered, I am inclined to 
believe, no further inconvenience from our visit beyond a slight 
increase of air and light into their apartment. 
Some days afterwards I returned to the very place in company 
with Mr. Wolley, who was desirous of visiting this wonderful 
Woodpecker locality, where the tall poplars have been bored on 
all sides during so many succeeding years. The broken ladder 
lay at the foot of the tree, which itself bore marks of the recent 
axe, but no young ones looked out upon the intruder, no old 
ones rang out the alarm note from amongst the neighbouring 
trees. The family had gone, and the forest was silent. 
London, February 26, 1859. 
XXVII.— Notes on the Nesting of a pair of Eagle Owls (Bubo 
maximus) in confinement. By Edward Fountaine. 
A pair of Eagle Owls {Bubo maximus) have bred with me in 
confinement during eleven successive years. 
The first nest was made in May 1849 ; in it were laid three 
eggs, the first on April 13th; three young birds were hatched 
and all reared. 
The second nest was made in March 1850; there were three 
eggs laid, the first on the 10th; two young birds were hatched, 
which were sent to Mr. J. H. Gurney; one egg was bad. 
The third nest was in February 1851; there were three eggs 
laid, the first was laid on the 10th ; three young birds were 
hatched and all reared. 
The fourth nest was in February 1852; three eggs were 
laid, the first was laid on the 10th ; three young birds were 
hatched and all reared. 
The fifth nest was in February 1853; three eggs were laid, 
the first was laid on the 14th; three young birds were hatched 
and all reared. 
The sixth nest was in February 1854; three eggs were laid, 
