164 The Cole Tit. 
of beech trees, hopping on the ground in search of the 
nuts, which it feeds upon by holding them between its 
feet and pecking away the shell; it likewise clears away 
a great many insects which are concealed under the 
rough bark and other places: these may be said to be 
its principal food. Like the former tits, its power of 
clinging is great, and many of the habits related of 
them will be equally applicable to this bird, but its 
disposition is much more amiable. The nest is placed 
in trees and walls, generally not more than a foot or — 
two from the ground, and is composed of moss, lined 
with feathers and hair: it usually contains from six to 
eight eggs. 
The young Cole Tits follow the parent birds about 
in parties for a long time after they have left the nest, 
as is the case with the former species. I have been 
told of these birds hiding such things as seeds for 
Winter provision, when prevented by frost and snow 
from getting their usual food; but whether this is the 
case or not, I am not able to state positively. We 
~ know the Cole Tit will do so when kept in a state of 
captivity ; and if it does hoard up then for times of 
