146 



PARID^. 



in size, foremost to join in mobbing an intrusive Owl, and 

 prepared to defend its nest against robbers of all kinds. 

 Its powers of locomotion are considerable, as it is strong in 

 flight, active on the ground, and as a climber is surpassed by 

 few rivals. Its stout and much-curved hind claw gives it 

 great facility in clinging to the twigs and branches of trees, 

 sides of ricks, and even the walls of houses. Such situa- 

 tions it resorts to in quest of its favourite food, caterpillars 



THE OREAT T[T. 



and pupse of all kinds, and it is most amusing to watch it 

 while thus engaged. Attitude seems to be a matter of no 

 consequence ; it can cling with perfect security to anything 

 but a smooth surface. On trees it hangs from the branches, 

 Avith its back either downAvards, or turned sideways, and 

 explores crevices in walls with as little regard to the vertical 

 position of the surface to which it clings, as if it were 

 examininsj a hole in tlie level ground. Its efforts to dis- 



