. Edinburgh journal of natural history and of the physical sciences . Some idea will be formed of its mode of laying hold of branches, from the above cut, copied from the excellent paper of Sir E. Homo on the Giraffe. DESCRlf'TION OF THE PLATEâTHE OWLS Of all the birds of prey, Owls are the most useful to man; as their food consists principally of rats, mice, and other vermin which steal abroad, under the cloud of night, to lay waste our corn fields and granaries. Yet it is strange that vulgar prejudice prevails over common sense and daily experience, so that these birds are viewed with hatred
. Edinburgh journal of natural history and of the physical sciences . Some idea will be formed of its mode of laying hold of branches, from the above cut, copied from the excellent paper of Sir E. Homo on the Giraffe. DESCRlf'TION OF THE PLATEâTHE OWLS Of all the birds of prey, Owls are the most useful to man; as their food consists principally of rats, mice, and other vermin which steal abroad, under the cloud of night, to lay waste our corn fields and granaries. Yet it is strange that vulgar prejudice prevails over common sense and daily experience, so that these birds are viewed with hatred, and even dread. A singular appearance, and doleful cry, with their retired and lonely habits, have gained for them a superstitious character which is not likely soon to be wiped away. But their utility demands our kindest regard. Fig. 1. The Virciniak Horned-Owl (Strix Virginiajia').âThis is one of the largest of its tribe, the male bird measuring twenty inches in height, while the female is upwards of two feet. It is to be found in almost every quarter of the United States, and extends its range as far north as Hudson's Bay. It is a bold and noble bird, exhibiting courage equal to that of the Golden Eagle. It builds on high trees, usually fixing its nest on a horizontal branch. A characteristic anecdote of the superstitious notions of our countrymen, in which an Owl of this species was con- cerned, is related by Dr Richardson. *' A party of Scottish Highlanders," says he, *' in the service of the Hudson's Bay Company, happened, in a winter journey, to encamp after nightfall in a dense clump of trees, whose dark tops and lofty stems, the growth of more than a century, gave a solemnity to the scene that strongly tended to excite the superstitious feelings of the Highlanders. The effect was heightened by the discovery of a tomb, which, with a natural taste often exhibited by the Indians, had been placed in this secluded spot. Our travellers having finished their supper,
Size: 2418px × 2067px
Photo credit: © The Bookworm Collection / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade, bookpublisheredinburgh, bookyear1835
