A TITMOUSE'S EFFORT [To the Editor of the SeEeTATott.]
Sta,---This spring a pair of great titmice has nested in the letter-box of my house, regardless of the fact that on the other side of the door a nesting-box had been provided for the use of such birds as nest in holes. On April 24th the original clutch was complete and incubation in full swing. Out of respect to the little birds' feelings, inspection was forbidden, while the box carried a note : " Bird Nesting. Place letters on step." About ten days ago--unfortunately I have not the exact date—one of the maids opened the box and found a large letter completely covering the eggs. The envelope was considerably torn at the edges and had evidently been fiercely attacked by the titmice. The intruding letter was removed, the box locked and a new label of warning attached.
To-day, May 22nd, I opened the box, found the hen sitting and removed her, discovering to my surprise a clutch of no less than nineteen eggs crowding the nest. Possibly, finding that her first clutch refused to hatch, the tit has gone on laying in the hope that she might thereby come to possess a family. I do not for a moment believe that this huge clutch is the production of two different females, since only one pair of titmice has been in evidence throughout, and there has been no period of desertion, the original occupant taking up incu- bation again immediately the ill-timed packet had been removed. Moreover all the eggs arc alike in their markings, although in this species there is often considerable variation.
What will be the ultimate result of this exceptional effort remains to be seen. but at any rate I venture to believe that the _tenant of my letter-box has gone far, if not all the way, towards establishing a record in egg production on the part
of Parus major.--I am, Sir, &e., II max.% t.D IluDsox. ,Stratford-on-Avon.
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