ith eyes like the shine of the moonstone cold,
She awaiteth her ghastly groom.
Not a feather she moves, not a carol she sings,
As she waits in her tree so still,
But when her heart heareth his flapping wings,
She hoots out her welcome shrill!

O! when the moon shines, and dogs do howl,
Then, then, is the joy of the Horned Owl!

Mourn not for the owl, nor his gloomy plight!
The owl hath his share of good--
If a prisoner he be in the broad daylight,
He is lord in the dark greenwood!
Nor lonely the bird, nor his ghastly mate,
They are each unto each a pride;
Thrice fonder, perhaps, since a strange, dark fate
Hath rent them from all beside!

So, when the night falls, and dogs do howl,
Sing, Ho! for the reign of the Horned Owl!
We know not alway
Who are kings by day,
But the King of the Night is the bold Brown Owl!

BRYAN W. PROCTER
(Barry Cornwall.)

* * * * *

THE
Racycle
NARROW TREAD

THE VERDICT IS IN

[Illustration]

Please mention "BIRDS" when you write to advertisers.

TESTIMONIALS.

FRANKFORT, KY., February 3, 1897.
W. J. BLACK, Vice-President,
Chicago, Ill.

Dear Sir: I have a copy of your magazine entitled "Birds," and beg to
say that I consider it one of the finest things on the subject that I
have ever seen, and shall be pleased to recommend it to county and city
superintendents of the state.

Very respectfully,
W. J. DAVIDSON,
State Superintendent Public Instruction.

* * *

SAN FRANCISCO, CAL., January 27, 1897.
W. J. BLACK, ESQ.,
Chicago, Ill.

Dear Sir: I am very much obliged for the copy of "Birds" that has just
come to hand. It should be in the hands of every primary and grammar
teacher. I send herewith copy of "List of San Francisco Teachers."

Very respectfully,
M. BABCOCK.

* * *

LINCOLN, NEB., February 9, 1897.
W. J. BLACK,
Chicago, Ill.

Dear Sir: The first number of your magazine, "Birds," is upon my
d