332 PA RIDE. 



desert her eggs, but hatched them, and reared her young. 

 The Blue Tit sits " about fourteen days. When first 

 hatched,"' says a correspondent in the Magazine of Natural 

 History, " the hen sat upon the young ones several hours 

 during the day. This time was gradually shortened, till 

 they were sufficiently fledged not to need such a means of 

 warmth. Nothing but small grubs and caterpillars were 

 brought to the nest ; and I was induced to believe that the 

 depredations of these birds are not, at that time of the year, 

 injurious to vegetation. Many insects did they bring from 

 some apple trees that grew near, but no buds." In another 

 instance where the parent birds were closely watched, cater- 

 pillars only were brought, in rapid succession, to feed their 

 young. Still, however, the very ancient custom of giving 

 parish rewards for the destruction of various creatures in- 

 cluded under the denomination of vermin, is continued ; and 

 the Journal of a Naturalist records, as an item passed in a 

 churchwarden's account, " for seventeen dozen of Tomtit's 

 heads." " In what evil hour, and for what crime," says 

 the author, " this poor little bird could have incurred the 

 anathema of a parish, it is difficult to conjecture." 



Insects, in their various stages, appear to be the principal 

 objects of search as food during summer. In winter the Blue 

 Tits frequent farmyards and out-houses, picking up small 

 seeds, or other portions of vegetable matter, and are constant 

 visiters to the horse flesh hung up near the dog-kennel. 

 They are most amusing when seen upon trees, from their 

 unceasing restlessness, and the grotesque positions assumed 

 under as well as over the branches when searching for food. 

 The call-note is a single shrill chirp, and the best vocal 

 efforts of this little bird possess but little variation. 



The general distribution of the Blue Tit in this country 

 renders a particular notice of its localities unnecessary. It 

 appears to be connnon in Ireland ; and Avas seen by Mr. 



