68 BRITISH BIRDS' EGGS. 



and containing eggs. The eggs are reddish-white, spotted 

 with red chiefly at the larger end ; when blown, as is the 

 case with very many other eggs, the reddish tinge disap- 

 pears, or nearly so. They usually number from six to eight 

 or ten*. 



THE MARSH TITMOUSE. Parus palustris. Far less fre- 

 quently met with than any of the foregoing species of Tit- 

 mice, the present also differs from them in its habits, pre- 

 ferring low marshy districts, and seeking its food near the 

 ground. A cavity which it makes or finds in a decayed 

 willow, is a favourite situation for the nest, the exterior of 

 which is composed of moss and grass, and the interior lined 

 with the down of the willow-catkins. The eggs, seven or 

 eight in number, considerably resemble those of the Blue 

 Titmouse, but are more boldly spotted, and the form is 

 rounder. 



THE CRESTED TITMOUSE. Parus cristatus. The Crested 

 Tit is reported to have been found in the pine- forests of 

 Scotland, but we have reason to believe that it is not con- 

 fined to Scotland. When inquiring at Yarmouth, Isle of 

 "Wight, for the eggs of the birds breeding in the island, we 

 were directed to a bird-preserver in that town who kept a 

 small inn. This person had not fewer than a hundred and 



