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appendage about the eighth of an inch in length, of a 

 bright red colour and a waxlike consistency, the use 

 of which is unknown, though, in all probability it has 

 none, and is simply ornamental. Both sexes carry 

 these waxy appendages, so it is not a sexual dis- 

 tinction, though they are certainly fewer in the females 

 than in the males. 



The Waxwing bears a good deal of resemblance 

 to the Jay, but is smaller, measuring only eight inches 

 or eight inches and a half in length. The plumage, 

 however, is of the same soft silk}^ texture as that of 

 the Jay, and like the latter bird the Waxwing has a 

 handsome crest, which it can raise and depress at 

 pleasure. 



Its general colour is a brownish grey of several 

 shades, darker above than on the lower surface of the 

 body. The quills of the wings and tail are black, and 

 there are white tips to some of the wing coverts, and 

 a yellow edging to the tail. The Waxwing is not a 

 conspicuously handsome bird, nor do its chattering 

 notes commend it much to the notice of amateurs. 

 It is decidedly dull and listless in confinement, but is 

 readily tamed. 



Unless the cage in which it is kept is of large size, 

 the soft plumage, which is the bird's chief charm, is 

 quickly spoiled. It may be added that the Waxwing 

 is extremely impatient of heat, as might be expected 

 from its habitat, and suffers much during a warm 

 summer, or if kept in a hot room. 



The food of the Waxwing consists of the insects 

 and berries that abound in the bird's native country. 

 On the former it and its young subsist during the 

 short Arctic summer, and on the fruit and berries 



