BOBIN AND TITS 145 



then I think the little birds fly after it by way of 

 ' keeping mischief before them '), and that, having 

 its mouth full, it is unable to peck. 



It is curious how much more confused the 

 instincts of a robin are than those of a torn-tit, 

 though the robin is the more human of the two. 

 Here comes one with its beak full of food for its 

 young, but it wishes to pack in a piece of bacon 

 too. Then another robin appears below, and off 

 goes number one to dance to it, food and all the 

 baby for the moment forgotten. Very human ! 



December 10, 1885. 



I have two robins, three blue tits (' Yes, Bob, 

 I'm coming ! ' he is continually calling me to 

 feed him), and two cole tits, who are always ex- 

 pecting to be fed. The two robins fight, but the 

 robin does not fight the small birds. It is pretty 

 to see a blue tit, with its quicker wings, steal a 

 bit of bacon flung to the robin, and then fly round 

 the robin's bewildered head as if it were laughing 

 at it. The cole tits always wait till larger birds 

 have filled their beaks; then they come with 

 perfect confidence. I have positively to fight with 

 the old chaffinch to prevent it from eating every- 

 thing up. I do not encourage the nuthatch ; I 

 am so afraid for my robin and dear small tits. 

 They are such companions ; but they make me 



L 



