308 SUMMER. 



mentioned, or even their names enumerated. One of 

 the most numerous families, in species and in indi- 

 viduals, and one of the most widely diffused, is that of 



THE TITMICE. 



THE COLE TITMOUSE. 



Seven species of titmouse are enumerated as belong- 

 ing to the ornithology of Britain ; all of them prefer- 

 ring woods, or at least trees, except one, the bearded 

 titmouse, which is found only among reeds, and that 

 in very peculiar and limited situations, so that its 

 habits are very imperfectly known ; and we have not 

 heard that its nest has been met with in England, 

 though there is little doubt that it does build in those 

 extensive reedy fens in which only it has been observed, 

 and where both the nature of the soil, and the kind of 

 herbage, prevent the nest of so small a bird from being 

 seen. 



The other titmice are much better known, and are 

 among the most active and courageous creatures of 

 their size with which we are acquainted ; and they are 

 also exceedingly useful to man- -useful, indeed, in 



