t lived happily for about a year, but when the
moulting time came she grew weak and ill, and did not seem to have
strength to produce her new plumage; for, in spite of all possible care,
she drooped and died. She lives in my memory as one of the most gentle,
innocent birdies I have ever had, absolutely without temper, contented
and cheerful, a perfect pattern of industry, chipping out holes in her
log of wood, and flitting about with a happy little chirp from morning
till night, a bright example of what a cheery life may be lived, even by
a caged bird, when kindly treated and cared for thoughtfully.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

TITMICE.

I must own my strong liking for these active, saucy little birds. For
eighteen years I have always had a basket hung just outside the
dining-room window containing their favourite food, _.e._, fat of any
kind, cooked or uncooked; and most amusing it is to watch their little
odd ways and tempers whilst frequenting the said basket. Four species
thus studied showed distinct characteristics. Directly I put out a fresh
supply of fat, the Cole Tit would spend all his time and energies in
carrying it away, piece by piece, to lay by in store for the future, in
crevices in the bark of trees, and this work he would carry on with
misplaced energy until the basket was emptied. The Greater Tit and Marsh
Tit came quietly for the supply of their own personal needs, and to feed
their young in nesting time, but the Blue Tit was by far the most
amusing. His attitudes were quite a study; he seemed rather to prefer
being upside down; clinging to the basket and hammering away at the hard
fat, head downwards, was a favourite pose; then, when any one else
desired a share, he would make a stand with open beak and outspread
wings and enact "king of the castle" in the most impertinent manner,
considering his tiny dimensions. A guerilla warfare seems always going
on amongst these Blue Tits. If one was in the basket and remaining
perfectly still, I knew two or three others were meditating a sudden
combined assault, but it seemed as if the steady gaze of the titmouse
in possession kept them at bay for a time. At length a twittering
scrimmage ensued, and the combatants disappeared. I once coaxed a Blue
Tit to live in the dining-room for a few days, and he made himself very
happy, constantly flitting about in search of insects, running up and
down the curtains like a veritable mouse, alighting on any