66 BIRDS, BEASTS, AND FISHES 



insects and seeds, or in a warm osier carr upon some bright 

 winter morning, when the sun has melted the rime on the 

 reeds, you may see the little "pick-cheeses " running about the 

 dripping reed-stalks in search of insects and seed ; for, in 

 sooth, they are hard pressed at this season of the year. But 

 they are hardy and brave, and that spells survival, as his little 

 song informs you in early spring as you look up through 

 the quaint decorative alder catkins and see the httle blue- 

 cap far outshining the azure itself in brilliancy — a blue star 

 in the blue — a worthy crest for so brave and beautiful a little 

 bird. Long may he live, bandit though he be ! 



