184 FACULTIES OF BIRDS. 



they may be seen resorting to the tops of moss-grown 

 walls, since even during cold frosty weather, particu- 

 larly when the sun shines out, we may occasionally 

 in such places see a ladybird (Coccinella) peep out 

 from its mossy retreat to ascertain whether the spring 

 has yet set in, and roused the aphides from their tor- 

 pidity*. This we deem to be highly plausible ; but, 

 as Mr. Knapp has explained the circumstance dif- 

 ferently, we shall give our readers an opportunity of 

 comparing his views with our own. 



"I have often,'' he says, " thought that this bird, 

 the chaffinch and some others, obtain much of their 

 support in the winter and spring seasons, especially 

 when the ground is covered with snow, by feeding 

 upon the capsules or fertile heads of various mosses, 

 having frequently noticed them pecking and masti- 

 cating something upon the walls, and in such places 

 where these plants abound, and nothing besides that 

 could afford subsistence to any animated creature, 

 particularly the awl-screw moss (Tortula subulata), 

 and these races perfect their capsules principally 

 during those periods in which other matters which 

 could afford them sustenance is [are] sparingly found. 

 The object of the existence of many of these lowly 

 plants has been considered as obscure, and their 

 profusion a general subject of admiration. Of these 

 the hygrometer moss (Kcelr enter ia hygrometica, 

 HEDWIG) presents a very prominent example of 

 unvarying annual exuberance. If this conjecture be 

 correct, that they afford nutriment to these poor little 

 creatures in a season of destitution, it affords us another 

 instance of the benevolence of the Creator, extending, 

 as far as we can perceive, through every department 

 of creation: we cannot trace this chain because we 

 are ignorant of consequences, nor perceive the ter- 

 mination because it is of infinite duration ; but to 

 * J.R. 



