1S86-87.] TJie Pnrida;, or Titmice. 41 



to have produced at one time figs of peculiarly fine quality. 

 Though cut down to the ground by frost during the inclement 

 winter of 1880-81, they are again throwing out fresh shoots, in 

 some instances over 3 feet in length,^ and form no unfitting 

 memorial of the far-sighted, enterprising cultivator who origin- 

 ally planted them, and whose memory will always be so in- 

 timately bound up, not only with the lands of Ormiston, but 

 with the whole fertile county of East Lothian. 



\lll.—THE PARIDjE, or TITMICE. 



By Mr ARCH. CRAIG, Jun. 



{Read Feb. 23, 1887.) 



The Pariclw, or titmice, are a small group of birds that present 

 great attractions to the student of Natural History, in conse- 

 quence, so far, of their possessing the dual advantages of not 

 only being very numerous, but from their constant residence in 

 this country throughout the year. Opportunities of observation 

 are not, therefore, confined to the narrower limits afforded us 

 in the case of migrants. Strictly speaking, partial migration 

 does take place among some of the species ; but as they never 

 actually leave our land in a body like the swallow tribe, and 

 are more or less to be met with in suitable localities at every 

 season, for all practical purposes they may be designated non- 

 migratory. They form a distinct and select little clan by 

 themselves, both as regards their habits, plumage, and song; 

 and although frequently accompanied in their wanderings by 

 other birds of kindred tastes, they seem notwithstanding to be 

 so intent upon their own affairs as to furnish ground for the 

 belief that they fill the more honourable role of leaders, while 

 the others again enact the character of the escort. Be that as 

 it may, they are essentially a unique and highly interesting 

 fraternity, and I shall endeavour to bring under your notice a 



1 On a visit to Ormiston Hall during the present summer (Aug. 1887), the 

 fig-trees were found in good health and vigour, and would probably have, 

 borne fruit this season had they not in 1880-81 been so severely damaged 

 by frost. 



