ORDER PASSERES. 217 



the same time, for when the broods are numerous, it is not 

 rare to see some only covered with down, while others are 

 ready to fly away. This depends on the number of eggs. 

 BufFon says, that, once departed from the nest, they never 

 re-enter it ; but this remark will not admit of generalization, 

 for this species, like some others of the genus, usually sleep in 

 the hollows of trees, and thus shelter themselves from cold 

 during the long nights of winter. This habit is so natural to 

 them, that when caged, something like a dove-cote is placed 

 for them to sleep in, totally closed, where they will all go, if 

 it be sufficiently spacious. They seem to fear that their 

 retreat should be discovered, for previously to entering, they 

 look round on all sides, and then pop in quickly. When they 

 have made choice of a hole, they return there every evening. 

 Once entered, it is difficult to force them out, even by the 

 introduction of a small stick ; and they can hardly be seized, 

 but with the aid of a little harpoon. Still, they may be 

 made to fly out quickly, by striking against the trunk of the 

 tree, and this is often a certain means of discovering the 

 nest. 



If they are disturbed with a little stick, these titmice send 

 forth a hissing sound, not very unlike that of a serpent. The 

 young which issue first from the nest, remain under the 

 neighbouring trees, calling to each other incessantly, a habit 

 which they never lose at any age. This exposes them to the 

 hunter ; for, with one titmouse, as a decoy, numbers may be 

 taken. It is not certain that they have more than two broods 

 in the year, though young ones are sometimes found in the 

 nest even at the end of June. It would appear, that if they 

 have more, some disturbance has occurred to the first : but 

 then the eggs are always less numerous. 



This titmouse arrives to perfection in a very short time. 

 In less than six months, it has arrived to its full growth, and 

 can reproduce. This rapid development argues a short life, 



