FOR CAGES AND A VIARIES. 



121 



and, it is said, of our Ancient British predecessors; but 

 when more succulent diet is to be had, the Jay turns to 

 it, and devours raspberries, currants, strawberries and other 

 summer fruits, nor does he neglect grapes and peaches 

 or nectarines where he can find them, which is seldom in 

 this land of ours. Of cherries he is fond, and the cherry- 

 growers have exterminated him from the county of Kent 

 as the sportsmen have in other places, so that before long 

 he will certainly cease to be a British bird ; but the average 

 gardener and farmer know no medium, and until the last of 



The Jay. 



their reputed enemies (but real friends) has bitten the dust, 

 their thirst for vengeance will not be satisfied. 



The Jay breeds just when the May-bugs are about, and 

 destroys millions of them ; but what does the horticulturist 

 care } He sees the poor Jay taking a few cherries for 

 dessert, and shuts his eyes to the substantial meal of 

 cockchafers which the bird had just previously enjoyed. 



The nest of the Jay is placed among thick foliage, and 

 would be difficult to find did not the over anxiety of the 

 parents discover it. The young are easily reared and make 

 delightful pets if fed and treated as advised for the young 



