180 



THE TIIMOUSE FAMILY 



just like the gold-hammer ; — lastly, the lon^-taih-d tit- 

 mouse, with its rapid, elegant flight which can only be 

 compared to the shooting of an arrow. 



All these minute folks were hopping, skipping and 

 springing about and warbling peacefully in the green 

 boughs. Suddenly the whole troup took wing with a 

 startled cry ; at the same time the report of a gun was 

 heard. I recognised there one of those finely character- 

 istic traits of man^ that mild and benevolent animal Avho 

 is so very much shocked by the ferocity of titmice. For- 

 tunately these birdlings are wise and experienced ; they 

 had foreseen the shot and had taken wing in time. 





