The young snake-eaters remain a long while in the nest, until they are capable of supporting themselves on their slender limbs. Even when four months old, they may be seen to walk, resting on the heel, which gives them a very awkward appearance : but, at the age of seven months, when they have attained their full growth and size, they display much grace and ease in their motions. It is a singular circumstance, that, in all their contests, these birds strike forwards with their legs, and not backwards, like others of their class.
The birds of prey denominated nocturnal, have gene rally a large head, very large and prominent eyes, su• rounded by slender feathers, and a thick but light skull, in which arc several cavities. Their soft and downy fea thers make little or no noise during flight ; and their outer toe may be directed forward or backward at pleasure. Their eyes are so constructed, that they are able to see much more distinctly in the dusk of the evening than in the broad glare of day. Most animals, by the contraction and dilatation of the pupil of the eye, have, in some de gree, the power of shutting out, or admitting light ; but in the owls this property is observed in singular perfec tion, besides an irradiation on the back of the organ, which greatly aids their vision in the obscureplaces which they frequent. Incapable of seeing their prey, or of avoid
ing danger sufficiently, in the full blaze of sunshine, they shrink from its influence in silence and solitude ; or, if compelled to come abroad, every thing dazzles and dis tracts them. Legions of birds flock around them, and single them out as objects of derision and contempt. The unfortunate wanderer patiently sits, and suffers all their indignities with real or apparent stupidity. Although none of the nocturnal birds of prey are materially hurt ful to mankind, and although they are instrumental in the destruction of vermin, which might otherwise disappoint the hopes of the husbandman, yet, in almost every age and country, they have been regarded by the vulgar as creatures of evil omen, and the heralds of death.
The whole family are included under the genus