June 12 - 1874 Long cared owl & young bith experence awaited me. While pushing quickly ahead I suddly heard on only right a push creaking note of three syllable crick-a-crick, like the squall of a wheel-barrow. Advancing cautiously in the direction of the sound I was suddenly startled by a most piercing shriek followed by dozen others in quick succession each one less loud than that that preceded it the whole occupying 30 seconds perhaps of time, & suggesting the screams of a bird caught by a hawk, but very much more intensive. Instantly stopping what was my surprise to see a large owl suddenly pitch down to the ground about 30 paces offroad me & stand facing me with menacing gaw spread wings & gestures of unmistakable menace. A very demon he looked & I confess that for a moment his fierce wild expression quite awed me, in other instant however he took wing threading the intricacies of of the thood with marvelous ease & rapidity & as he lighted on a low bunk he again emitted his piercing shrieks. I now started in pursuit but forced it for some time, quite impossible to get within range. Occasionally he (or rather she for it was the ♀) would light on a tall dead chest top & give a deep low whoo, whooh (more uttered more than twere)