158 THE CANADIAN NATURALIST. [JuUG 



throughout the year. I think Wilson and Audubon were right 

 in not separating this bird from the European C. Co7'ax. I 

 cannot see the least diiFerence — at least, not more than would be 

 found in examining a quantity of either species, if they are 

 distinct. The more slender bill is more individual than typical 

 of the American bird. The eggs certainly cannot be separated, 

 but this is also the case with several of the Corvidce, which are 

 otherwise well marked and well-known species. 



American Crow (C. Americanus, J[itc?zzZ)o?i.) — A common sum- 

 mer migrant to Newfoundland, arriving in April. Frequents the 

 sea coast, breeds in trees, and lays four or five eggs much 

 resembling those of C. frugiJcgus. It is called the " Otter Crow" 

 bv the settlers. 



Pica Hudsonica, Sahhie — May reasonably be expected to occur 

 in Newfoundland, but I am inclined to think it does so only as a 

 straggler. 



Blue Jay (Cyanura cristata, Linn.) — A summer migrant, but 

 not common. Breeds in Newfoundland, and is called the 

 '' Silken Jay" by the settlers. 



Canada Jay (Perisoreus Canadensis, Linn.) — Common, and 

 remains throughout the year. In some of its habits, and especially 

 its familiarity, this bird much reminds the English sportsman of 

 Robin Redbreast at home. When camping in the woods, miles 

 back in the country, the Canada Jay, or, as it is often called, 

 " Whiskey Jack," was ever my constant, and, frequently, only 

 feathered companion. Like others of its tribe it appears very 

 partial to raw meat for food, although, when in the vicinity of 

 houses, it becomes almost omnivorous, eating bread, fish, potatoes 

 &c., with an evident rehsh. It is said to collect and store away 

 large quantities of cranberries for winter use. I have never met 

 with any of these '-stores," but have often noticed the Jays picking 

 the berries, especially in the spring of the year, where the snow 

 has disappeared in patches in the open marshes. In a state of 

 nature I think the Canada Jay is even tamer than the Robin. I 

 remember on one occasion, particularly when deer-hunting in the 

 country, I had the hearts of three caribou hanging to the " tilt," 

 or camp, within four feet of my head, and, although unable to 

 leave the "tilt" for the whole day, from bad weather, the Jays 

 managed to eat all the fat from the hearts, notwithstanding I 

 continually drove them away, but, like vultures and carrion crows, 

 with every re-appcarance there seemed a re-inforcement, until at 



