48 The Paridce, or Titmice. [Sess. 



whose wearers played such a prominent part in the days of 

 Border warfare. 



Next on the list is the cole tit. This word is spelt alterna- 

 tively coU or coal. The latter is perhaps the more correct form, 

 and has been adopted in the latest edition of Yarrell by Professor 

 Newton, who adduces as proof that the French name " petite 

 charbonuifere " clearly points to the fact that it has connection 

 with the fuel burnt in our fires, and not with a plant known 

 as cole. This bird is usually found to be more plentiful in high- 

 lying plantations than any of its brethren ; but it is by no 

 means confiued to these, as thick woods in the low grounds 

 often abound with them. It can never be mistaken for the 

 blue tit save by a novice, as its note is different, and as a rule 

 it travels in bands, a constant calling to each other going on all 

 the time. Whether owing to its greater sociability or from a 

 similarity of tastes, you mostly find it consorting with other 

 small species, notably goldcrests and creepers ; and while the 

 former are chiefly busy among the leafy branches, the latter 

 devote their attention to the trunk. In autumn in suitable dis- 

 tricts of the Highlands there is a constant succession of the afore- 

 mentioned hunting the woods in concert; but, besides these, 

 siskins and redpoles often join in the campaign. Where cross- 

 bills are numerous this is very noticeable, the smaller fry tak- 

 ing advantage of the greater powers possessed by the larger 

 birds, to extract the seeds from the half-opened cones left by 

 the former. It is amusing to see the pertness with which the 

 minuter species mix with the crossbills and perch within a few 

 inches of them, evidently with the assurance of perfect safety 

 and immunity from assault, which says a great deal for the 

 good-nature of the crossbills, who, all the same, have probably 

 very little intention of reversing the order of things and becom- 

 ing jackal to their lion. At a distance this species is apt to be 

 confounded with the marsh tit ; but when near enough to 

 admit of scrutiny, the white patch on the nape of the neck is a 

 sure distinction, the latter never having that at any time of life. 

 The whitish spots on the wings also occur in the cole tit alone. 

 The marsh tit is not nearly so common in Scotland, and must 

 be considered very local in its distribution. In England, again, 

 it is much more plentiful, and during last May it was my good 

 fortune to make its acquaintance in Warwickshire, in suflfi- 



