42 The Parida, or Titmice. [Sess. 



few of the more prominent features of what all naturalists 

 unite in considering an order of birds most worthy of attention. 

 One of their leading characteristics, even to the inexperienced 

 eye, is their constant restlessness and activity, carried to an 

 extent which has almost no parallel save in the well-known 

 instance of the Hiruudines, or swallows ; and if proof of this 

 assertion were wanting, a few hours spent in following the 

 track of a flock in autumn would be sufficient of itself to bring 

 conviction to the most incredulous mind. Another peculiarity 

 is their intense inquisitiveness. This latter trait when de- 

 veloped in the human animal is not always to be considered 

 commendable, but in the case of the titmice it is much to be 

 admired, and, besides, is most beneficial to the growth of trees 

 and plants directly, and indirectly of course to the owners of 

 these. Just take the trouble to watch a titmouse hanging on 

 the trunk or branches of a tree, and see how eagerly he re- 

 connoitres every little crevice or crack in the bark, hammering 

 away with his hard little bill, or poking the same into some 

 small recess barely visible to the naked eye. The uninitiated 

 in many cases imagine he is doing harm, whereas he is a 

 decided benefactor, being busily engaged destroying insect-life 

 in the shape of eggs, larvae, or the creatures themselves, which, 

 ultimately would injure the growth of the tree. Yet, neverthe- 

 less, the day was, and unhappily in some parts of Great Britain 

 still is, where a premium was paid for the destruction of the 

 whole race of titmice, probably the best friends that gardeners 

 or tree-growers have. It has been advanced as an argument on 

 the opposite side that they eat grain, destroy plants for the 

 sake of the seed, and tear open buds in early spring. This is 

 true, but to a certain extent only, as the grain devoured is 

 trifling, and the buds burst usually contain insects in one form 

 or other; so that, even painting them in as black a hue as 

 perversity is capable of, their bad qualities are a mere bagatelle 

 in comparison with the good services they render. Their fear- 

 less nature, and trusting disposition in the presence of man, 

 made them an easy prey; but it is pleasant to record that this 

 prejudice is fast dying out, in common with many other equally 

 mistaken ideas that our forefathers, from want of knowledge, 

 indulged in at the expense of the feathered fauna of our 

 country, and it is perhaps not too much to hope that, with the 



