BLUE JAY. 227 



His talent for mimicry when domesticated, is likewise 

 so far capable of improvement, as to enable him to imitate 

 human speech, articulating words with some distinct- 

 ness ; and on hearing voices, like a parrot, he would en- 

 deavour to contribute his important share to the tumult. 

 Bewick remarks of the common Jay, that he heard one 

 so exactly counterfeit the action of a saw, that though on 

 a Sunday, he could scarcely be persuaded but that some 

 carpenter was at work. Another, unfortunately, render- 

 ed himself a serious nuisance by learning to hound a cur 

 dog upon the domestic cattle, whistling and calling him 

 by name, so that at length a serious accident occurring in 

 consequence, the poor Jay was proscribed. The Blue 

 Jay becomes also, like the Crow and Magpie, a very 

 mischievous purloiner of every thing he is capable of con- 

 veying away and hiding. 



One which I have seen in a state of domestication, be- 

 haved with all the quietness and modest humility of Wil- 

 son's caged bird with a petulant companion. He seldom 

 used his voice, came in to lodge in the house at night in 

 any corner where he was little observed, but unfortunate- 

 ly perished by an accident before the completion of his 

 education, or the proper developement of his intellect. 



The favorite food of this species is chestnuts, acorns, 

 and Indian corn or maize, the latter of which he breaks 

 before swallowing. He also feeds occasionally on the 

 larger insects and caterpillars, as well as orchard fruits, 

 particularly cherries, and does not even refuse the hum- 

 ble fare of potatoes. In times of scarcity he falls upon 

 carrion, and has been known to venture into the barn, 

 through accidental openings ; when, as if sensible of the 

 danger of purloining, he is active and silent, and if 

 surprised, postponing his garrulity, he retreats with noise- 

 less precipitation, and with all the cowardice of a thief. 



