1886-87.] The ParidcB, (?r Titmice. 45 



portance. Some writers aver that its call-note in spring has a 

 resemblance to the syllables " ox " " eye," but if that be so, the 

 believers in this theory must be gifted with livelier imagina- 

 tions than have fallen to the lot of most folks, as by no pos- 

 sibility can its notes be contorted into a sound resembling these 

 words. While upon the subject of names, it may be as well to 

 mention that " tom-tit " is a favourite synonym for the genus, 

 but as it is rather a weak and puerile designation it would not 

 be much loss to ornithology if it fell into disuse. Many 

 popular names have a real significance, and are of great value, 

 but the same can scarcely be said of this one. For example, 

 take a few of the more absurd epithets by which the Paridce 

 are known in different parts of England : " Sit-ye-down," " Tom 

 Collier," "Billy Biter," "Joe Bent," "Long Tom," "Mum 

 Euffin," " Bottle Tom," and " Poke-pudding." I think it will 

 be confessed that these do not add much dignity or weight to 

 ornithological nomenclature. It is of great importance, there- 

 fore, to adhere as far as possible to one recognised denomina- 

 tion, and this, combined with the scientific name most in vogue, 

 will prevent dubiety. The plurality of scientific names in 

 ornithology is most puzzling at times, but this may be over- 

 come by taking up one well-known system and holding to it. 



The great tit haunts woods, gardens, hedges, and brushwood, 

 but is often to be seen about the vicinity of houses and farm- 

 yards. In spring the note of the male is peculiar and pretty 

 constantly repeated, and although not attaining to the dis- 

 tinction of a song, is cheerful and lively. Some of his efforts, 

 however, are the reverse of musical, being grating and dis- 

 cordant, and not unlike the sound made by a saw when it 

 encounters a nail in a piece of wood. As a rule, this species 

 does not travel about in such large numbers as the cole or 

 long-tailed tits, and is decidedly more vicious in disposition 

 when captured. Like the robin, they often alight upon the 

 limed twigs set round the call-bird's cage, and I have frequently 

 made their acquaintance under these circumstances, but, to 

 speak truth, never with any great desire to renew it, as while 

 endeavouring to release them from their self-imposed position 

 they bit so persistently as in many instances to draw blood. 

 The nest is fabricated of moss, hair, feathers, &c., and is most 

 commonly placed in the hole of a tree or wall. A decayed and 



