580 GARRULUS GLANDARIUS. 



the lower branches of the oak, or inspect the woodbine mant- 

 ling round the hazel."' The eggs are somewhat smaller than 

 those of the Magpie, broadly ovate, generally an inch and a 

 quarter long, with their largest transverse diameter ten and a 

 half twelfths ; pale bluish-green, faintly and thickly freckled 

 with pale purplish and yellowish-brown. They vary con- 

 siderably in colour, although not so much as those of the 

 Magpie, and their number is from five to seven. 



Although the Jay thus rears a large family, it is nowhere 

 abundant, being in most districts less numerous than even the 

 Magpie, which, however, is fonder of shewing itself, whereas 

 the bird under consideration is of retired habits, and skulks 

 among the trees and bushes as if ashamed of being seen. Another 

 circumstance which may tend to diminish its number is, that, 

 being a more showy bird than any other of the family, its skin 

 prepared by the bird-stufFer is much in request as a domestic 

 ornament. Add to this, the enmity which gamekeepers and 

 gardeners, not without reason, have to it, and you will not be 

 surprised to find it everywhere scarce. 



Young. — The young when fledged are of the same colours 

 as the adult, although somewhat less bright. They are abroad 

 by the end of June, and keep together for several weeks. 



