392 Junior Naiuralist Monthly. 



THE CLUE JAY 



How many of our boys and girls have ever heard the Blue Jay 

 called a rascal, a thief, and other harsh names? I am sure that 1 have 

 and I have often wondered how much truth there is in these remarks 

 about our handsome Blue Jay. Sometimes, you know, a bird may be 

 caught in one unworthy act and the story of his misdeeds will be in- 

 creased and passed on for many years. Sometimes a bird ma}- merely 

 resemble another bird that does harm, and in this way lose his reputation, 

 as is the case with the Downy Woodpecker. Because he is a woodpecker, 

 many farmers and their boys have abused him ; while, in fact, he is most 

 industrious and helpful in the farm w^ork. One woodpecker has been 

 harmful to trees, the sapsucker, and many of the useful woodpeckers 

 have been abused because of one member of the family that has not a 

 good reputation. 



And so it is that I am going to ask our Junior Naturalists to 

 investigate the true character of the Blue Jay. Alake up your mind that 

 during one year you will study the ways of the merry fellow and find 

 out for yourself how much that has been said of him is true. 



In studying the ways of the Blue Jay, perhaps you would like sug- 

 gestions that will help you in your observation. Doubtless the following 

 will be useful : 



1. During what months of the year have you seen the Blue Jay? 



2. How many different notes have you heard him give? What other 

 birds have you heard him imitate? 



3. What evidence have you that Blue Jays lay up a supply of food 

 for hard times? 



4. What insects have you seen him eating? What fruits? What 

 grains? 



5. Have you ever known them to take the eggs or young of other 

 birds? Do not tell me what you have heard other people say about this. 

 Let me know whether you have ever seen them commit this theft your- 

 self. 



6. Do Blue Jays stay in the forest or do they visit orchards and 

 meadows, farmyards and gardens? 



7. This bird has been accused of eating fruits ; but does he take 

 fruits that are found in the wild, or the fruits of orchard and vineyard? 



8. What harmful insects have you ever seen the Blue Jay eat? 



A BUSY LITTLE EAR]\I HAND 



Every Junior Naturalist will, of course, have a garden this year. It 

 will be very disappointing, indeed, to Uncle John to learn that any one 



