TOM-TIT 



December 25, 1884. 



A torn-tit in his war-paint, bristling and 

 bouncing, is apparently a terrific object to other 

 birds ; he is certainly a very comical one. Even 

 more comical is my pugnacious robin. He keeps 

 up that character, and continues to sit, day by day, 

 on the edge of the verandah, as round as a ball (he 

 is very short-winged) , looking about for something 



to fight with, and putting himself into the most 

 ridiculous attitudes, alternately inquisitive and 

 defiant. He has, however, become much more 

 tame ; he comes to the window directly I make 

 my appearance in the morning, and flies up to 

 receive his little bit of bacon. But he will not 

 take it from my hand ; he seems afraid of that. I 

 argue thence that it is an old robin, as young 

 robins soon become accustomed to the hand. 



