their habits pretty closely. They are very Tit-like in 

 action, though they have very little, if any true affinity 

 to that family. I noticed that they climbed the reeds 

 from the water or crust of earth to the top, rapidly 

 examining the joints and insertions of the leaves for 

 insects, and lingering at the seed-bearing tops of the 

 plants, constantly uttering a very peculiar and bell-like 

 single note that in no way resembles that of any other 

 bird with which I am acquainted. After a close 

 examination of a certain seed-patch the parties would 

 fly off in a sort of single file with a jerking flight to 

 another spot, calling as they flew, and, except in the tone 

 of their calls, reminding me much of the Long-tailed 

 Titmouse. 



In captivity these little birds become very tame, and 

 in a few instances I have succeeded in keeping them 

 alive for a considerable time ; but although in some 

 respects hardy enough they require a great deal of care. 

 I never could induce any of my captives to make a nest, 

 though more than one laid eggs in their cages. At 

 roosting time, and indeed often during the day, my 

 Reedlings would sit closely huddled together in a hne 

 on the same perch, constantly examining the plumage 

 of their next neighbour, and in every way showing a 

 love of close company. 



I have never seen the nest of this species in situ, 

 but one in my collection from Holland was taken 

 from the crust from which a thick patch of reeds was 

 growing, and was composed of leaves of that plant, with 

 a few blades of sedge and a lining of the feathery reed- 

 tops. The principal food of this species consists of 



