THE LONG-TAILED TITMOUSE. 329 



Were it only for the beauty and elegance of its form, no one 

 who had an eye for living art could kill the pretty little bird, 

 and reduce the bright, active, happy creature to a mere pinch of 

 ruffled feathers. Were it only for the wonderful structure of its 

 nest, it would be worthy of preservation. But when we come to 

 consider the inestimable and inappreciated services which this 

 tiny bird renders to manldnd, we should not only be devoid of 



THE LOKO-TAILED TITMOUSE. 



all gratitude, but likewise of all common sense — ^which however 

 comes to much the same point — were we willingly to destroy our 

 feathered benefactor. 



Although almost every one who lives in the country or who 

 possesses a tolerably large garden in a town is perfectly familiar 

 with this bird, comparatively few are in a position to narrate 

 from personal observation the benefits which it confers upon us. 

 The reason is simple ; they do not rise early enough. A Ijong- 



