NATURAL HISTORY. 



Tribe IV CONIROSTRES. (Lat. Cone-shape beaked.} 



Family I. ... Corvidse. (Lat. Corvus, Crow. Crow kind.) 

 Sub-family a. Garrulince. 



GARRVLVS. (Lat. talkative.} 



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Gla:;Jaiius (Lat. of the Acorn], the Jay. 



This bird possesses, like several others of the same family, 

 considerable talents for mimicry. It has been known to imi- 

 tate the sound of a saw, the bleat of a lamb, or even the neigh- 

 ing of a horse, with the most perfect accuracy. Nor do its pow- 

 ers cease here, for although its natural voice is harsh and grat- 

 ing, yet it can imitate the sweet notes of singing birds, such as 

 the Greenfinch, with wonderful fidelity. It has also frequently 

 been taught to articulate words. 



The name of Glandarius has been given to the Jay, because 

 it feeds on vegetable productions, such as acorns, &c., more 

 than the true Crows. It is also partial to fruits, especially ripe 

 cherries, and is consequently persecuted by the gardener. It is 

 also said to devour eggs and young birds. 



Its nest is built about twenty feet from the ground, the upper 

 part of a thick bush being preferred. The eggs are five or six 

 in number, of a yellowish white, thickly speckled with brown. 

 The length of the bird is nearly fourteen inches. 



