CONCERNING LAPLAND. 
227 
tify the curious in the ftudy of ornithology, by giving them a 
figure of the fcarceft ftrix that is any where to be met with. It 
is peculiar to Lapland, and has been called by Mr. Thunberg 
Strix Lapponica. Its fpecific character is as follows:—■ 
“ Strix Lapponica : inauriculata, corpore albido nigro, fafeiato, 
(e maculatoque.” 
It is larger than the otis, and fmaller than the nydiea of Lin¬ 
naeus. The annexed copper-plate will fupply the place of a de« 
feription : but it deferves to be noticed, that only two fpecimens 
of this bird fluffed, exift at prefent in Europe, and thefe are both, 
in Sweden. The one in the mufeum at Upfala, is that from which* 
my drawing was taken ; Mr. Thunberg having politely allowed 
me to convey it to my lodgings, that I might copy a likenefs at 
my leifure. Very little is known of the hiftory of this bird. I 
have met with it myfelf in Lapland, and even purfued one, but 
without fuccefs, as they are extremely Ihy, and will not let men 
come near them. 
Crows breed in prodigious numbers in Finmark, and in other 
parts of Norway, and take their flight in flocks along the fea 
fliore. Thefe birds, through cold and hunger, become very tame in 
winter ; at that feafon they hover about the tents of the Laplan¬ 
ders, and even venture to come within them, and will pick up 
every thing within their reach. Befides thefe, the ravens are very 
numerous, and found to be bold and deftrudtive, feizing fifh hung 
up to dry, and birds taken in fnares, and even attacking fheep, mid 
plucking out their eyes, or tearing open their bellies, 
Gg2 
The 
