- 
164 BIRD GALLERY. 
No. 75. GREAT TITMOUSE, (Parus major.) 
The post-box exhibited in this Case stood in the road at the village 
of Rowfant, Sussex, and letters, etc., were posted in it daily and cleared 
by the door. In the year 1888 a pair of ‘ Ox-eyes” began to build 
their nest in it, but one of the birds was killed before the nest had been 
finished, 
In 1889 a pair completed the nest, laid seven eggs, and began to 
sit ; but, one day, when an unusual number of post-cards nearly filled 
the box, the birds deserted, and the nest and eggs were subsequently 
removed [ Nest No. 1]. 
In 1890 a pair built a new nest, laid seven eggs, and reared a brood 
of five young. Although letters were posted daily, and often found 
lying on the back of the sitting bird, it never left the nest when the 
box was cleared. This nest { No. 2] is exhibited in its original position 
in the post-box, with one of the unhatched eggs. 
When the box was removed to the British Museum, in the autumn 
of 1890, an exactly similar one was put up inits place. The birds took 
possession of this in the following spring, and, with the exception of 
1894, have continued to build there every year. The other nest ex- 
hibited [No. 3] was commenced on the 26th of April, 1896, and the 
brood of twelve young birds reared in it flew on the 10th of June. 
The birds entered and left the nest by the slit for the letters, which 
were posted daily in the box. 
Presented by Mrs. Locker-Lampson. 
No. 76. GREEN WOODPECKER. (Gecinus viridis.) 
The largest of our British Woodpeckers, generally known as the 
“ Yaftle,” is met with in most of the wooded districts of England and 
Wales, but is almost unknown in Scotland and Ireland. Though 
much of its insect-food is captured on the tree-stems, it may frequently 
be seen feeding on the ground, and is especially partial to ants and 
their pupee. Early in April the birds chisel out a circular hole in the 
trunk or branch of a tree, which is generally decayed, and excavate a 
nesting-chamber in the heart of the stem. The eggs are glossy white 
and from five to seven in number. 
Norfolk, June. 
Presented by Lord Walsingham. 
