THE LONG-TAILED TITMOUSE. 



347 



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 mankind, we should not only be devoid of 

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

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

 feathered benefactor. 





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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 Long- 

 tailed Titmouse in early morning, and the identical bird at noon, 

 scarcely seem to be the same creature, so different are its ways. 

 It is a specially early bird, earlier than the sparrow, which is apt 

 to be rather a sluggard as regards leaving its nest, though it sets 



