GOLDCBEST. 145 



times are seen on open heaths, among furze bushes, and visit 

 hedges, and birch, oak, cedar, willow, alder, and other trees, 

 and even such low plants and bushes as the broom, in their 

 vicinity, and rose trees and creeping plants near houses. They 

 are lively and agile in all their movements, and seldom even 

 hop without using their wings. 



They are gregarious in their habits, and, except during the 

 breeding season, travel in flocks, or rather societies, of greater 

 or less numbers. When thus roaming, as indeed at all times, 

 they are far from shy; and you can well watch them 

 fluttering from bough to bough, from tree to tree, from 

 plantation to plantation, ever in motion, and always interesting 

 to behold. They are often joined by flocks of different species 

 of Titmice, and a few Creepers. They are hardy and robust, 

 though of such tender make, and brave the severity of the 

 northern winter, though to some individuals of .them it proves 

 fatal. The female is very fearless and intrepid when she has 

 a nest to protect, and will suffer a very close approach before 

 quitting it. 'They will even continue on the branch while 

 the nest is inspected, uttering shrill and distressing cries, and 

 erecting the crest, as if wishful to attack the aggressor.' 

 T. J. Wilkinson, Esq., of Walsham Hall, Suffolk, has sent 

 me the following instance of this: 



*I myself can record a remarkable instance of the courage 

 and intrepidity displayed by this charming little creature, 

 during the process of incubation. I one day perceived a nest 

 on a fir tree, in our orchard plantation, upon which I ascended, 

 and after a considerable deal of trouble, succeeded in removing 

 her from her nest, when to my great surprise she defended 

 it with the utmost firmness and resolution sitting on a twig 

 over against it, pecking and flying at my hand till I withdrew 

 it, when she resumed her seat with apparent tranquillity. An 

 instance of the docility of this elegant little bird perhaps would 

 not be out of place. In April, 1851, a pair built their nest 

 between the woodwork of our drawing-room window and the 

 brickwork of the house, which only allowed them an aperture 

 to enter not large enough to admit the first finger; and in 

 spite of the piano, which was constantlv played on, and close 

 to the window, they hatched, but unfortunately, when the 

 Hall was being repaired, the workmen pillaged the nest of 

 its inhabitants.' 



Two of these birds have been known to fight so determinedly 

 that they were captured together with the hand and placed 

 VOL. iv. L 



