18 The N.Z. Journal of Science and Technology. [Jan. 
enemies and no rigorous winters to thin their ranks, their rate of increase 
would be so rapid that, as they are in a great measure omnivorous, they 
would in time, in proportion as the supply of insects began to fail, learn 
to depend more and more on vegetable products for their support, and, 
as the most convenient source of such would be among the crops raised by 
man, ultimately become as great a pest as some of the other acclimatized 
species. 
Fortunately, tits are among the least suspicious of all birds. They 
are so easily trapped and, should such a regrettable necessity arise, could 
so easily be decimated by poison that it would be quite a simple task to 
keep their number within desirable bounds. 
Not only from a materialistic point of view but also from a sentimental 
standpoint titmice would be a valuable addition to our avifauna. They 
are charming and most interesting little creatures, bright, full of life and 
fun, ever active, graceful in all their rapid movements, and always highly 
entertaining through their many curious and comical little ways. The 
blue tit is, moreover, a strikingly handsome bird, and also the great tit 
deserves to be classed among the most gaily attired of our feathered 
friends. Though less conspicuous in respect of the colouring of its plumage, 
and though being one of the most diminutive of European birds, the long¬ 
tailed tit always attracts attention. It is probably the most graceful of 
all arboreal birds, and an early morning visit from a couple of these birds 
with their whole tribe of little ones, often more than a dozen, is an event 
not easily forgotten. They explore every nook and cranny of a tree, 
or in a more playful mood indulge in most extraordinary gymnastic 
performances with long thin twigs as horizontal bars. The long-tailed 
titmouse is, besides, a wonderfully gifted architect. Its domed nest is 
indeed a truly marvellous structure. 
Tits are, it must be admitted, not great musicians. Their song is very 
simple, neither artistic nor particularly melodious, but it is cheerful and 
pleasing, and being frequently heard in winter, when other birds are silent 
or almost so, is then doubly welcome. 
What has here been said of the usefulness of the titmice applies also to 
the second group of European birds mentioned in Mr. Simmonds’s article, 
the woodpeckers. They may be said to supplement the good work of the 
titmice, inasmuch as with their powerful build and their strong bills and 
long tongues they are able to reach insects which are not accessible to the 
smaller and much weaker birds. 
Unfortunately, however, the difficulties of transport, which in the case 
of the tits would be very few, would in their case be so great as to be 
almost insuperable, so that their acclimatization in this country is not likely 
to be an event of the near future, and need, therefore, not be further 
discussed for the present. 
Addendum .—The above notes were already set in type when the September number 
of the Journal, containing Mr. E. F. Hawthorne’s letter on the “ Proposed Introduction 
of Animals and Plants,” came to hand. 
I fully agree with Mr. Hawthorne’s views that the importation of foreign forms 
of life has wrought untold mischief to our fauna and flora, and that it is highly desirable 
that no course of action shall be sanctioned which would still further imperil their 
existence. 
Unfortunately, however, this is a matter in the decision of which economic needs 
will be the all-important factor. It is to be feared that with the spread of settlement, 
with systematic efforts of afforestation, and with the establishment of various industries 
conditions will sooner or later arise which will make the acclimatization of further 
vigorous exotics absolutely imperative. When that time arrives several species of 
European titmice unquestionably deserve special consideration. 
