BRITISH BIRDS. 



65 



grey and olive brown ; but they vary a good deal in 

 appearance. 



Two broods are usually hatched in the season, and the 

 young are easily reared on table scraps (not too much 

 meat), ants' eggs, meal worms, and other insects. 



They make good talkers and mimics, and will learn to 

 come and go, especially in the countiy. 



Fig. 2i. — TheJmj. 



The magpie is accused of sucking eggs and killing young 

 game, chickens, and ducklings, and not, it must be con- 

 fessed, without foundation ; but he is a great enemy to rats, 

 moles, and mice. 



Jay. — This most handsome bird is counted vermin by 

 every gamekeeper and most farmers and country gardeners, 



