THE LONG-TAILED TITMOUSE. 123 



attached. At all events, the existence of two holes 

 is quite unusual, and opposed to the experience of 

 many observant naturalists. 



The Long-tailed Tit lays a large number of eggs 

 for its size, as many as sixteen young birds, nearly 

 fledged, having been found in one nest. How so 

 large a family can live in so small a house is a 

 marvel. It has been suggested that, in the case of 

 so large a number of eggs being deposited, more 

 than one hen bird may have resorted to the same 

 nest ; but this is hardly likely, for not only do the 

 rightful owners keep a strict guard over their 

 property, but are very bold and even pugnacious, 

 attacking birds much larger than themselves, should 

 they approach the nest, and driving them away. 



In general appearance the eggs of this little bird 

 resemble those of other Tits already described, but 

 are smaller, and the small pink spots at the larger 

 end are usually very much paler. 



Like other members of the family, the Long- 

 tailed Titmouse resides with us throughout the year, 

 and in the autumn it is no uncommon thing to see 

 .little family parties of a dozen or more hunting 

 through the woods or along the hedgerows in com- 



