INTELLIGENCE IN TITS.
A story that seems to be a real pointer to the nature of the intelligence of birds is in circulation. It appeared, I believe, first in the Shooting Times ; and of the facts there is abundant evidence. Tits of two species have discovered how to peck open the lids of the glass milk containers now much used in London. They tap the lid in just the one vulnerable place, just as one species of wasp stings its victims in just the one tiny spot that causes paralysis. This suggests the working of something very near reason. It is not the result of reflex action, of tropism as with the wasp, or of instinct, to take the three influences in ascending scale. The tits have made a discovery, handed it on and practised The art to their own advantage. It is to be hoped that London sparrows will not add a taste for Grade A milk to that for crocus petals.
W. BEACH TH031AS.
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