HOW THE MEAL IS SERVED 137 



and most appreciated ; but bones of any sort, 

 if appearances are not considered will answer 

 well. Such morsels are the especial delight of 

 the tits, the great tit, blue tit, and coal tit, 

 who will quickly find them out and afford end- 

 less amusement by their quaint ways, hanging 

 head downwards or sometimes grasping the 

 string with their tiny claws and letting them- 

 selves slide down to the food. The chaffinches 

 are not nearly so clever as a rule, although one 

 sometimes sees an exception ; but usually they 

 flutter opposite it, taking a hasty peck with 

 more or less success ; the blackbirds are still 

 more clumsy, although sometimes managing to 

 secure a morsel while fluttering past. 



The three methods mentioned above may 

 all be used together, when there is space and 

 opportunity, and the pleasure and interest is 

 greatly enhanced by keeping the different 

 arrangements near to and within sight of the 

 windows of the living-rooms. The mixed food 

 should not be made very wet, or in frosty 

 weather it will soon be frozen solid ; it should 

 be put out while still warm, although not hot. 

 Unless there is a constant supply of running 

 water near, it is well to place some shallow 

 vessel of water close at hand ; a flower-pot 

 saucer will answer admirably. This must be 



