AMERICAN AGRICULTURIST 
[April, 
.mDCR&amnnsc 
[COPYRIGHT SECURED.] 
LITTLE ACADIAN OWL. 
SNOWY OWL. 
GREAT VIRGINIAN HORNED OWL. 
emptying the combs every few days, and re¬ 
turning ready for refilling, the bees lose no time 
in making comb, and collect several times the 
quantity they would if compelled to do so. To 
get combs in these frames, procure the contents 
of several of the trees from the woods, bees, 
combs, brood, etc., transfer to the frames—re¬ 
jecting most of the drone comb, according to 
directions in “ Bee Keeping Explained ”—-being 
sure to retain but one queen, with wing clipped. 
You would then have a mammoth swarm to 
begin with. It can be kept so by frequently 
emptying the combs, and keeping a supply of 
empty cells ready for the queen to deposit eggs 
in during the whole honey season, whatever 
may be its length. 
If combs have to be built for a full supply, 
the frames should have a piece of guide-comb 
stuck in the top, and then put in between others 
near the middle of the hive. When these are 
filled, others may be added until the hive is as 
large as wished. We hope to furnish artificial 
comb soon, that will save time to the bee as 
well as honey. This style of hive involves the 
use of a honey-emptying machine—melextrac- 
tor. This machine, introduced only a few years 
ago, is rapidly growing in favor in the North. 
The Snowy, and other Owls. 
The Snowy Owl, Nyctea nivea, though not 
rare in the Northern States during the winter 
months, is regarded as only a transient visitor, 
as it does not breed within our limits. Indeed, 
its resting-place is not known with certainty, 
but it is supposed to be very far to the north¬ 
ward. Its large size and white plumage make 
it a very noticeable bird. Though designated as 
the White, or Snowy Owl, its plumage is not 
entirely white, it having spots and bars of 
brown. These markings vary greatly in different 
individuals. Nearly all owls are nocturnal in 
their habits; but this species hunts in the day¬ 
time, aud proves a serious enemy to grouse, 
ducks, and pigeons, which it pounces upon 
when they are upon the ground, or upon the 
wing. It is said to be very annoying to trap¬ 
pers, as it robs their traps of muskrats. Not 
only does this bird prey upon quadrupeds and 
birds, but it is expert at fishing. The Snowy 
Owl is sometimes found as far south as Georgia, 
hut it is more frequently met with in the New 
England Slates Ilian in any other part of the 
country, and even there it is of very rare 
occurrence after the early part of February. 
The Great Horned Owl, Bubo Virginianus, is 
readily recognized by its large ear-tufts. This 
is also a large owl, being about twenty inches in 
length. It is found all over the United States, 
and is one of the most rapacious of the owls. 
It is variously mottled with brownish black, 
light brown, and gray; there is a conspicuous 
white spot upon the chin. 
This species inhabits so wide a range—extend¬ 
ing into South America—and presents such a 
variety in its color and markings, that several of 
its forms have been described as distinct species. 
It is a bird to be classed with “ the pests of the 
farm,” as its nocturnal forays are not confined 
to a search for wild food. The turkey-breeder 
has cause to regard him as an enemy ; aud those 
who do not give their fowls secure roosting- 
places, are losers by this owl. In full sunshine 
the bird may be approached and captured, but 
in diffused sunlight it is able to see sufficiently 
well to escape. The smallest of the trio in the 
engraving is the Acadian, or Saw-whet Owl, 
and it is the smallest owl of the Northern 
Slates. It is only seven to eight inches in 
length, and its general color is reddish brown. 
It is called the Saw-whet Owl, liecause its note 
resembles the sound produced in filing a saw. 
