MODE OF TAKING.--Lime twigs placed over the nest will easily secure the old ones when they come to feed their young; or a bird of prey's basket, with a lark or mouse put in it as a lure, may be placed where these birds are most frequently seen. This machine is raised on four stakes, and somewhat resembles a common safe, having a lower shelf as large as a moderate sized table, with four upright posts, to which are fastened the partitions of net or wire; on the top and sides are fixed two iron rods; on these, by means of rings, there runs a net which covers the whole. ATTRACTIVE QUALITIES.--Its fine plumage, its sonorous notes _kle_, _kle_, which it sometimes repeats in continued succession, and its amusing actions, must make it a favourite with most amateurs; it cannot, indeed, like other species of falcon, be trained to the chase; but if taken when very young, and fed with the food before mentioned, it may be taught to fly to some distance and then return, even in the midst of the largest cities. THE LITTLE OWL. Strix passerina, LINNÆUS; La Chevèche, ou Petite Chouette, BUFFON; Die Zwergeule, BECHSTEIN. The feathers of this bird make it appear larger than it really is. Its length is from eight to nine inches, of which the tail measures at least three; the folded wings almost reach the extremity; the beak is ten lines in length, brown at the base, and yellow at the point; the iris is yellow in summer, and meadow green in winter; the claws blackish; the upper part of the body is light brown, with round white spots, which are largest on the back and shoulders; the lower part is white, spotted with dark brown and a little orange; the quill feathers dark brown, with white spots; the tail lighter, with red spots, which may almost be taken for transverse bands. The colours are less brilliant in the female. HABITATION.--In its wild state this small species of owl frequents old buildings, towers, and church walls, where its nest is also found[14]. In the house it must always be kept in a cage, which may be hung in the window, for if permitted to mix with the other birds it would kill them. FOOD.--When wild its general food is mice and large insects; I have also found in the indigested remains which this, like other birds of prey, discharges from its stomach, a considerable quantity of the fruit of the red cornel tree (_Cornus sanguinea_, Linnæus). This proves that it also feeds on berries.