u8 SKETCHES OF BIRD LIFE. 



of the same species in a thick hedge. One of 

 them suddenly flew out of the hedge and made 

 several snaps at a few midges which were enjoying 

 a passing gleam of evening sunshine in a sheltered 

 corner close by." 



In a remnant of what was once a vast forest of 

 Scotch firs, Wolley, in the spring of 1850, found the 

 Crested Tit pretty common ; and the following year 

 nests were sent him from the place where he had 

 observed the birds. Mr. Hancock also found some 

 nests the same year, placed in holes of old stumps 

 of trees from three to six feet above the ground, 

 and composed of rabbit's or hare's down, a little 

 moss, and a few feathers. 



The eggs, which, in Scotland, are usually laid 

 about the end of April or beginning of May, and 

 do not exceed five in number, are described by 

 Professor Newton as white, blotched, spotted and 

 speckled with light red, the markings being bigger 

 and more collected at the larger end than in the 

 eggs of most of its congeners. 



