Page:The Natural History of Ireland vol1.djvu/116



there is much old timber, the long-eared owl may be as frequent as this species ; but throughout Ireland generally, the numbers of S. flammea doubtless greatly prevail. It is said to be the only species of owl known in the island of Rathlin, and to be very rare.* Both this and the long-eared owl, which were once plentiful in the plantations at Springvale, county of Down, are said to have almost entirely disappeared of late years, without any apparent cause, although the greatest protection was always afforded to them.

I have had the following evidence of the white owl's regular flight to some distance from its domicile, just as twilight com- mences. Near Belfast, there is a considerable extent of low-lying meadows which are flooded by heavy rains, and at such times are resorted to by various species of wild-fowl (Anatidæ). The flood never attaining such a height as to cover the banks surrounding these meadows, they are frequented by persons for the purpose of shooting the wild-fowl on their evening flight, and to whom the owl, on as " murderous deeds intent," occasionally falls a victim. It at first occurred to me that the owl's visit might be consequent on the flood having driven the rats, mice, &c, on which it preys, from the meadows to their banks, where, as the only place of refuge, these animals would be more than usually abundant ; but I since ascertained that the owl equally haunts them when the flood is gone. I have seen it flying towards these grounds from the distance of nearly a mile.

This species builds its nest in the ordinary site, old houses, &c, about Youghal.f The family at Castle Warren, near Cork, were much alarmed on one occasion by hearing a loud snoring noise, like that made by a man after a day's hard labour, proceeding

Dr. J. D. Marshall.

f Ball.