ii6 Craigmillar and its Environs. 



The House - Martin may be regarded as the 

 greatest favourite among the tribe of swallows. Its 

 arrival is, in general, welcomed, and protection ac- 

 corded to it when nesting under the eaves. When^ 

 however, it insists on building its nest in the comer of a 

 window, the swallow's notion of the fitness of things does 

 not always commend itself to the cleanly housewife. 



The Gold Crest is much more common than is 

 generally believed. This bird has been noticed in cold 

 weather in some of the gardens at Newington. 



The Cole Tit, though common in all parts of the 

 country, is not seen in great numbers around Craig- 

 millar, being partial to fir plantations. 



The Blue Tit is very common. The female is 

 most ferocious in her attacks upon any intruder 

 approaching her nest. 



The Great Tit is plentiful in this district, as in 

 most parts of the country. 



The Long-tailed Tit, though not in great num- 

 bers, is seen around Craigmillar, and sometimes in 

 gardens in Edinburgh. The nest of this bird is well 

 known to the juvenile egg-collector. 



