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30 the parrots. The outward and visible characteristics of this order are a short, parrot-like beak, the outer toe reversible (in parrots it is permanently reversed), very large eyes directed forwards, and uncommonly well developed ears. They make their nests in holes and lay white eggs like parrots. Their plumage is peculiarly soft, even the quills, so that they fly noiselessly. If you want more, I may tell you that there is no ambiens muscle, but basypterigoid processes are present. On the other hand, the accessory femoro-caudal and the semitendinosus and the accessory semitendinosus are wanting. Now all this is very important and not to be laughed at. These solemn words were not invented only to bamboozle the unlearned, but represent facts in the plan on which the frame of an owl is constructed. And the question on which these facts bear is more than curious. Expressed in popular language the question is this. Is the owl only a weak-eyed hawk that cannot bear the light of day, or is it a bold and bad parrot which has taken to night-walking and murder? There is a great parrot in Australia which has taken, within recent years, to the extremely reprehensible practice of killing sheep by fastening on them and tearing out their livers. However, all such questions, fascinating though they be, are outside of our present scope. We are concerned with the outward aspect and habits of the two or three kinds of owls which are domiciled in Bombay.

The Screech Owl is more common in our island than in any other part of India with which I am acquainted. This statement may surprise people