ORDER PASSERES. 223 



repose, the male will cover his companion with his wings. 

 Such a disposition, joined to some generic differences, seems to 

 separate them from the other titmice. The latter, it is true, 

 if we may judge from their frequent cries of appeal when 

 dispersed, seem attached to the society of their fellows. 

 They appear, however, to fear approaching each other too 

 nearly; judging of the disposition of others by their own, 

 they are cautious and distrustful — such, indeed, is the usual 

 spirit of associations among the mischievous and wicked of 

 all species. 



The bearded titmice are found in Denmark and Sweden, 

 but rarely. They are common in the neighbourhood of the 

 Caspian Sea, and the Palus Mseotis, where they inhabit the 

 reeds. But they are not found in the more elevated latitudes 

 of Asia. 



The Penduline Titmouse, sometimes called the Remiz, is 

 found in Poland, Italy, Siberia, and the south of France. 

 It frequents aquatic situations, suspends its nest to the 

 extremity of a flexible branch, hanging above the water, 

 attaching it with hemp, flax, or some material capable of 

 sustaining it in the air. It gives it the form of a purse, of a 

 sack, or bag-pipe. It makes an opening on the side, usually 

 on that which is turned towards the water. This nest is 

 composed of the down of willow-flowers, of poplar, &c. It 

 is interlaced with small roots, and forms a close tissue 

 almost as substantial as pasteboard. A bed of the same 

 do^vn, but finer, furnishes the inside. The eggs are four or 

 five, snow-white, and about the size of those of the wren. 

 The female has two broods in the year. It is pretended that 

 this titmouse is so cunning, that it cannot be taken in any 

 snare. 



The Buntings (Emheriza), as we have seen, are distin- 

 guished from other passerine birds, principally by their 

 conical, short, and straight bill, and by the addition of a 



