A reader, who on internal evidence can scarcely be classed
as an admirer, has sent me Dr. Johnson's views on the bird which provides me with a pseudonym " It is reported of the Sybarites, that they destroyed all their Cocks, that they might dream out their Morning Dreams without Disturbance. Though I would not so far promote .Effeminacy as to propose the Sybarites for an Sample, yet since there is no Man so foolish, or corrupt, but something useful may be learned from him, I could wish that in Imitation of a People not often to be copied, some Regulations might be made to exclude Screech- Owls from all Company as the Enemies of Mankind, and confine them to some proper Receptacle, where they may mingle Sighs at Leisure, and thicken the Gloom of one another." As far as I am concerned, Dr. Johnson's wish is about to be gratified, for Janus returns next week.
STRIX.
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