Page:The Natural History of Ireland vol1.djvu/118

 which could not when perfect have exceeded nine lines in length. A friend, too, on examining the pellets cast by these owls, has often, in addition to the fur and bones of rats and mice, perceived the wing-cases of beetles shining through them. The remains of birds he never detected. Mr. Ball has taken nine mice from the stomach of one of these owls. A thrush and sparrows, together with field-mice, have been found in one of their larders ;* but it is probably in the absence of other prey that any of the feathered tribe are attacked. Once, however, I knew a tame one kill a full-grown lapwing (Vanellus cristatus), its only constant com- panion in a spacious garden.

A white owl, kept for upwards of a year in a friend's house, was from the first kindly disposed to the servant who fed it, but pugnacious towards its master, instantly striking with its talons at his finger when placed against the cage ; but he rather taught it to do this, that its expertness might be witnessed. When spoken to by any one, it returned the recognition by most gro- tesquely moving from one leg to the other on its perch, accom- panied at the same time by a bow or inclination of the head side- ways. It screamed greatly during the night. Standing with one leg drawn up, and the entire foot concealed in the plumage, the white owl has a most singular appearance. Mr. Ball has known one that escaped from a place in which it was for a few days con- fined, return to it again after a short interval, a voluntary prisoner.

The ruins of Rome are, as may be supposed, a fine locality for the white owl. From the Coliseum, tomb of Cecilia Metella, &c, I have startled it from its mid-day repose.

Syrnium aluco, Linn. (sp.)

stridula (sp.)

Strix

Poole.