PNR OD wert ON

xhii
bouring country of New Zealand should be destitute of small mammals and of White Owls! But this is not

the place to enter into a disquisition on the subject ; let us proceed to an enumeration of the Owls of our

own country.

Genus Strix.

34. Srrix FLAMMFA . : ; : : : é : : : : ‘ Vol. I. Pl. XXVIII.
Barn-Ow1.

A strictly nocturnal species, living principally upon mice, insects, and reptiles. Distributed over the three
kingdoms and Europe generally. The slight damage attributed to this bird is far over-balanced by the good

it effects in the destruction of obnoxious animals.

Genus Syrnium.

35. SYRNIUM ALUCO . : i : : ; : ; : : : : Vole te Ble XOX

Tawny or Brown Ow.

Distributed over England and Scotland, but extremely rare in Ireland, if, indeed, it ever occurs there.
Lives on mice, rats, moles, and other small quadrupeds ; the edges of ponds, too, are frequently examined
for any fish that may expose themselves, which it readily seizes. The less its general character is examined
the better for its reputation ; for, truth to tell, it is a stealthy thief, and commits great depredation among
young game, robs the keeper’s pens, and does not disdain a chicken; in fact, in its prowling habits it is not
surpassed by any other species. It is a bird but seldom seen, either by day or night ; and were it not for its
merry hoot, uttered in the stillness of the evening, its presence and whereabouts would not be easily
detected. It doubtless destroys rats, weasels, and young rabbits in abundance; and this is about all the
good it can be said to effect. Besides our islands, the other parts of Europe are constantly frequented by
this bird; but for any further particulars respecting it and its habits I must refer the reader to my account

of the species accompanying the plate.

Genus Bupzo.

The birds of this genus are but few in number; and of these only one favours Britain with its presence ;

but that one is the finest of the whole.

36. Buso MAXIMUS : : E : ; a : . : : : : Vol Eb PIXXX

Eacue Ow .

This truly magnificent Owl, which is not surpassed in size or beauty by any member of its family, is a