NUTHATCH.— GREAT TITMOUSE. 85 



which it evidently was making its nest. The Nuthatch is 

 the only bird I have ever seen attempt, and succeed in, 

 carrying away two grains of maize at once ; of which, how- 

 ever, I do not see the advantage, as it invariably drops one 

 while picking the other to pieces. It is also very fond of 

 oats and fat, and I have watched it digging away at the 

 horseflesh which has been hung up for the dogs. It will 

 drive off any small bird which may attempt to share with it 

 either that, or anything which has been laid out to feed the 

 birds in winter. It is very amusing to watch its manceuvres 

 should one hang out a tallow candle near a window. It is 

 particularly fond of peas and maize, but the kernels of nuts, 

 and the stones of the yew-berry, and acorns, as well as 

 insects, of which it is constantly in search, form its favourite 

 food. 



FAEID^. 



GREAT TITMOUSE. 



Parus major. 



This species is very common in all the wooded parts of the 

 county. It is resident, and may be found in most of our 

 gardens and shrubberies. It feeds largely on insects, and is 

 also fond of flesh of any kind, as well as of various seeds, 

 which, if of any size, it holds with its foot on a branch and 

 picks to pieces, without fixing it in the manner of the Nut- 

 hatch. It is a powerful bird for its size, and will occasionally 

 kill other birds, and having done so, generally, in the first 

 place, picks out the brains*. It is particularly fond of the 



* Perhaps only when in confinement. 



