FOR CA GES AND A VIARIES. 2 1 1 



Tit is among the smaller varieties of foreign birds for which 

 no special place is provided, as it is quite certain that it 

 does not now occur wild in Britain, although at no very 

 remote period it was to be met with, even in considerable 

 numbers, among the Lincolnshire Fens, and in other similar 

 localities. Possibly one reason for its disappearance may 

 be the keenness of the pursuit directed against it by 

 bird catchers, although the reclamation of its favourite haunts 

 has had no doubt something to do with its expatriation. 

 If entered among British species, in consequence of 

 having been actually caught in "this country, it should be 

 in one of the classes appropriated to birds of passage, 

 for in any case it does not winter with us, but retires 

 to warmer climates during the inclement portion of 

 the year. 



An instance of some of these birds having made nests 

 and laid eggs in confinement has been brought under the 

 notice of the present writer, but the young were not 

 reared, probably owing to the want of suitable food, and, 

 perhaps, a little to the somewhat fussy interference of the 

 owner. Should anyone desire to try and get a pair to breed, 

 they should have a good-sized enclosure, out of doors 

 preferably, placed at their sole disposal, and in this should 

 be a large pot or a small tub containing reeds or bul- 

 rushes in a living condition. Among the lower stems of 

 these the bird will construct with the leaves their domed 

 nest. There should be an abundance of ants' eggs at the 

 disposal of the Tits, fresh if possible, but if not those sold 

 by Mr. Romans of Llanelly will make a very good 

 substitute for the recently obtained article, and will be 

 much appreciated by the birds. Aphides, too, can readily, 

 much too readily as a rule, be propagated in a greenhouse 

 or a cucumber-frame, and will serve to make assurance 

 doubly sure. 



If the attempt is made out of doors, it will be well to 

 provide a miniature pond in which the reeds can be 

 planted, or in which, at all events, the pot containing them 

 can be placed; this will ensure their continuing in a 

 fresh and healthy condition, which, of course, will con- 

 tribute to the success of the undertaking. 



