. Annual report of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. Smithsonian Institution; Smithsonian Institution. Archives; Discoveries in science. THE EMPIRE OK TUE AIR. 437 The fircaf rared-Oirl.—T1k> ureat eaicd-owl is a curious creature, ainl a .painter's brush would better describe him than a pen. Those great horn-like ears, those large yellow eyes, that plumage spotted with crosses and drops, the noise wliich he nnikes when snapping his bill, wliich miglit be mistaken for that of a crackling bone; everything in fact, even its attitudes, give it a satanic air, little like anyth
. Annual report of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. Smithsonian Institution; Smithsonian Institution. Archives; Discoveries in science. THE EMPIRE OK TUE AIR. 437 The fircaf rared-Oirl.—T1k> ureat eaicd-owl is a curious creature, ainl a .painter's brush would better describe him than a pen. Those great horn-like ears, those large yellow eyes, that plumage spotted with crosses and drops, the noise wliich he nnikes when snapping his bill, wliich miglit be mistaken for that of a crackling bone; everything in fact, even its attitudes, give it a satanic air, little like anything in this world. But let ns disregard this infernal asjx'ct, and examine him in broad day. It is a large bird of prey; its talons are strong, its wings are power- ful; its beak, while almost entirely hidden beneath the hairy feathers protecting its nostrils, is nevertheless strong and with a force not found in the bill of most diurnal l)irds of prey. Its ears are very large; Ave see at hrst sight, that in consequence of the enormous develo])ment of this organ, the sense of hearing must exist in great perfection. This grouj) of brilliant (lualities, joined to a reckless courage, render this bird an animal of extraordinary power. The great eared-owl might dispute with the eagle the empire of air. The eagle is like the lion; he has the noble look of royalty, whilst the tiger, which has only a brilliant reputation for ferocity, might easily dispute for the prey should both meet on the same hunting Ul'p;it cared-Ou'l. Let us consider the bird further, lor we are confronted with a re- markable creature. His bony frame is robust, his feathers are like hose of all nocturnal l)irds, of velvet like softness; but this soft down covers muscles with a dilferent order of action from those of the eagle; they are shorter, quicker, and more rigid in their contraction; the lever arms are longer. Tiic tliglit is a marvel; it is excessiA'ely comi)li- cated in action. Jle soars perl'e
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