THE OX-EYE, 445 



moths, and caterpillars. Like the "Woodpecker, it climbs trees 

 in order to look tor larvst, insects' eggs, and woodlice under the 

 bark. In autumn and winter it eats various kinds of seed and 

 grain, especially hemp seed, oats, beech mast, fruit kernels, 

 nuts, the seeds of coniferous trees, and even carrion. It holds 

 its food between its claws, and tears it to pieces with its beak. 



In confinement the Ox-eye eats whatever comes to table 

 meat, bread, cheese, and vegetables, as well as lard, tallow, 

 filberts, and walnuts, and the universal paste; and if well 

 attended to, is not a delicate bird. The better it is fed, the 

 more constant also is its song. It drinks a good deal, and is 

 fond of bathing. 



Breeding. The Ox-eye builds its nest in the tops of hollow 

 trees, and often avails itself of the deserted habitations of the 

 Haven, Magpie, or Squirrel. It lays its eggs, which are eight 

 or ten in number, and white, with irregular dark brown spots 

 of various forms and sizes, on an artfully composed layer of 

 moss, wool, and feathers. The young birds, which till the 

 first moulting are pale yellow on the under part of the body, 

 do not leave the nest till full grown. 



Diseases. Those which are kept in a cage, and fed with 

 hemp seed, are often subject to giddiness, which may, however, 

 be cured by confinement in a very small square cage, only 

 allowing the bird to range the aviary. Both gout and decline 

 are also said to arise from the immoderate use of the same food, 

 With care they will live in confinement from eight to ten years. 



Mode of Taking. The capture of this bird, with others of 

 the same species, is considered by fowlers to be the most 

 agreeable part of their profession. It is accomplished in several 

 ways ; of which I shall, however, subjoin only two. In spring 

 and autumn the fowler repairs to orchards and other places 

 frequented by Tits, with, a decoy-bird confined in a small square 

 cage. The cage is placed upon the ground and surrounded by 

 limed twigs in an oblique position, when the Tits, attracted by 

 curiosity, or some other motive, fly to make acquaintance with 

 their new comrade, and are caught. This mode is rendered all 

 the surer if a whistle, made of a goose's leg-bone, be used ; 

 as this makes a louder sound than the natural call, and never 

 fails to attract all the Tits within hearing. 



In winter, what is called the Tit-trap, baited with nuts, 

 oats, or lard, may be used. This is a small box, one foot in 



