136 _ BLUE TITMOUSE.

deterring the school-boy from carrying his intentions
into effect.’ This is, however, only the natural and
most laudable spirit shewn by the parent bird in defence
of its nest and young; and shews how cruel it is to
rob birds of that for which they have so strong and
natural affection.

These birds often build their nests in the most sin-
gular situations. Not unfrequently the top of a pump
is made use of, and even, though the pnmp may be
constantly worked, the bird does not quit the situation
she has chosen. Bishop Stanley says of one instance
of the kind, “It happened that during the time of
building, and laying the eggs, the pump had not been
in use; and when again set going, the female was
sitting; and it was naturally supposed that the motion
of the pump handle would drive her away. The young
brood, however, were hatched safely, without any other
misfortune than the loss of a part of the tail of the
sitting bird, which was rubbed off by the friction of the
pump handle.”