40 LAKES AND RIVERS. 



to live among the reeds, and climbs among them 

 almost after the manner of a quadruped. Its food 

 consists mostly of sucrinea, limnea^ and other small 

 molluscs. The nest is generally formed of the com- 

 mon reed and sedge, and is of a cup shape. I possess 

 one, however, where the form is that of a bottle. 

 The eggs are white and shining, with small brown 

 scratches, quite unlike those of any other British bird. 



BEARDED TIT. 



They were at one time pretty abundant . on the 

 banks of the Thames, but the destruction of the reed- 

 beds has rendered them scarce. The neighbour- 

 hoods of Scoulton Mere and Yarmouth are their 

 principal localities. It is one of the most beautiful 

 of our British birds, and one which, from the draining 



