
          455

was toward the south, the sun therefore illuminated it, the owl
could be plainly seen.  He was quite a large fellow of a brown color.
When we approached the tree he went deeper into the hole and could
not be seen; but when we returned to the fire, he, after a short time
again took his former position, where he remained till sun down.  After
putting together the embers so that no damage could be done we
prepared to go home.  On our way homeward we passed the open
field, then took the path through the woods toward Valients.
The snow on the hill-sides facing the south had entirely disappeared.

Before we left the wood, it was dark, and the starts were shining.
The south-eastern sky with Orion, Sirion, Castor & Pollux, looked 
beautiful.  We reached the cars about 6.30 P.M.  The wind
had now abated, but it was still very cold.

176.
Jan. 26, 1901.  Repeated the trip of Jan. 19, we were very anxious to again see
the owl.  We were to meet at 9 A.M. but unavoidable delays made
my car more than 20 min. late.  Mr. W. was, therefore, already there, he
had brought with him his camera and opera glasses, also a lot of burlap.

We had quite a snow storm from Thursday to Friday, but, although
much of it melted, there was still in the woods a layer 4 to 6 in.
deep.  On the road, where the wind blew it in drifts, there were
        