204 EXTRACTS FROM HIS WORKS [ch. vxi. 
* 
apparently enjoying the sunshine, occasionally 
chasing each other, and engaging in mimic conflicts. 
I was drawn into the wood by hearing a singular 
chorus of many shrill voices in the trees, and, look¬ 
ing up, observed a multitude of little birds of 
several species frisking about in great glee. Most 
of them were coal-tits, ringlets, blue tits, and 
willow-wrens; but there were also many chaf¬ 
finches, and some common linnets. Great numbers 
of ringlets occurred in other parts of the wood. I 
was amused with the movements of a pair of coal- 
tits, which separated from the rest, and betook 
themselves to an excavation in the diluvium, from 
the turf margin of which there hung a number of 
slender tree-roots. One of the tits flew in among 
them, frisked from one to another, clung to a long 
filament, and appeared to enjoy the motion, as it 
swayed backwards and forwards. The other bird 
then joined it, and they seemed content for a while 
to amuse themselves apart from their companions. 
There was a general merry-making among the little 
birds. They seemed, after the labours of the day, 
old and young together, to indulge in frolic before 
retiring to rest. 
Many species of mammalia, birds, and fishes, 
evidently pass a portion of their time in sport. 
Young animals are especially addicted to romping, 
as may be seen in foals, calves, and especially lambs 
and kids, as well as puppies and kittens. The same 
is observed in birds, wild and domestic, in hawks, 
rooks, finches, and poultry. No birds are more 
