. American ornithology, or, The natural history of the birds of the United States [microform]. Wilson, Alexander, 1766-1813; Wilson, Alexander, 1766-1813; Birds; Oiseaux. to i'- . 'I ! fj I IV. bachelors are also distinguished from the other people by their taci turnity, grave and solemn countenance, dignified step, and singing to themselves songs or hymns in a low, sweet voice, as they stroll about the ;* Nothing is a more effectual cure for superstition than a knowledge of the general laws and productions of nature; nor more forcibly leads our reflections to the first, great, self-
. American ornithology, or, The natural history of the birds of the United States [microform]. Wilson, Alexander, 1766-1813; Wilson, Alexander, 1766-1813; Birds; Oiseaux. to i'- . 'I ! fj I IV. bachelors are also distinguished from the other people by their taci turnity, grave and solemn countenance, dignified step, and singing to themselves songs or hymns in a low, sweet voice, as they stroll about the ;* Nothing is a more effectual cure for superstition than a knowledge of the general laws and productions of nature; nor more forcibly leads our reflections to the first, great, self-existent cause of all, to whom our reverential awe is then humbly devoted, and not to any of his dependent creatui'es. With all the gloomy habits, and ungracious tones, of the Owl, there is nothing in this bird supernatural or mysterious, or more than that of a simple bird of prey, formed for feeding by night, like many other animals, and of reposing by day. The harshness of its voice, occasioned by the width and capacity of its throat, may be intended by heaven as an alarm and warning to the birds and animals on which it preys, to secure themselvci from danger. The voices of all carnivorous birds and animals are also observed to be harsh and hideous, probably for this very purpose. The Great Horned Owl is not migratory, but remains with us the whole year. During the day lie slumbers in the thick evergreens of deep swamps, or seeks shelter in large hollow trees. He is very rarely seen abroad by day, and never but when disturbed. In the month of May tliov usually begin to build. The nest is generally placed in the fork of a tall tree, and is constructed of sticks, piled in considerable quantities, lined with dry leaves, and a few feathers. Sometimes tliey choose a hollow tree, and in that case carry in but few materials. The female lays four eggs, nearly as large as those of a hen, almost globular, and of a pure wiiitc. In one of these nests, after the young had flown, were foun
Size: 1044px × 2393px
Photo credit: © Library Book Collection / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1870, booksubjectbirds, booksubjectois
