288 Correspondence. 



GREAT TITS {Pam^ imijor) IN A GARDEN. 



Sir.— A pair of Great Tits made their nest, tliis f^pring. deep down in 

 the cleft of a stump, which had once belonged to a huge Portugal Laurel ; 

 it had been cut low, and. close to it (part of the same tree) another trunk, 

 supported a couple of climbing roses planted at the base, making a partial 

 screen to hide the birds from prying eyes. It was very interesting and 

 amusing to watch their mancEuvres before they would venture to dart in 

 behind the screen with the food they had brought for their young ones ; 

 sometimes hesitating a minute or two on the outskirts, perched on a twig at 

 a little distance, or flitting up and down uneasily as if they thought them- 

 selves observed. They were generally from live to eight minutes absent 

 collecting food, and occasionally both birds returned at the same time. Af- 

 ter a week or ten days, to our sorrow and regret, tliey disappeared and have 

 not been seen anywhere near the garden since. A cat prowling near is sup- 

 posed to have been the cause of their disappearance, and one fears may pre- 

 vent them again building in the same spot. 



The Tit family seem very shy and retiring in their habits, and so 

 quick and active that it is difficult to follow thair m )veraeats, and one felt 

 an additional pleasure in being able to observe them more closely even for a 

 few days. 



Carrowden Castle, Aug. 8. 1913. (Hon. Mrs.) W'lRD. 



Re MENU FOR CAGE BIRDS. 



Sir,— I was very much interested by Mrs. Hartley's letter on the 

 above subject. As at present I have an nnheated aviary, with insufficient 

 shelter for the more delicate species during the winter months, I am 

 obliged to keep them in cages in the house. In addition to the bill of 

 fare she mentions I give hay seed, which is much appreciated by the 

 birds. There is always a piece of rock salt in the cage, which is eaten 

 greedily by Gouldians and Zebra-finches. ([ first gave it to Gouldians 

 after seeing it recommended as an article of diet for them in Aviarirx 

 and Aviary Life, and they seemed so pleased at its introduction that I 

 have never let them be without it since). I also hake all the egg shells 

 I can collect in the oven, then break them \^^ fine and scatter them on the 

 cage floor. I could never get my birds to eat the dried Ants' "eggs"— 

 at least only a few seemed to fancy them, so I only supply these about 

 three times a week. Mealworms cut up into quite tiny pieces are greedilly 

 eaten ; in this state they are a great treat for even the smallest of Wax- 

 bills. In the cage I am also careful to provide baskets and coconut 

 shells for the birds to sleep in. They certainly repay all my trouble 

 and care by keeping and looking very fit and well. 



If anyone has any fresh ideas or suggestions to ofPer I do hojie 

 they will write and do so. It is so interesting to know how people in 

 a similar position to oneself (without large aims, etc.) meet and surmount 

 their difficulties. 



Great Bookham, Surrey, (Lady) EYI-^LINE MALDEX. 



August 26, 1913. 



