122 BRITISH BIRDS 



of the ]\Iagpie. They require a very roomy cage, on 

 account of the deHcate texture of their feathers, which are 

 frayed and destroyed by the sHghtest friction. 



The writer is acquainted with a case in which a pair of 

 tame Jays nested successfully in an aviary (see Frontispiece, 

 from a photograph by Mr. W. Bush, F.C.S.); and that such 

 naturally shy birds should have done so under such 

 circumstances says much for their owner's management 

 and treatment, while it also confirms the contention that 

 every kind of bird can be perfectly tamed by man, and 

 will be as happy (if not happier) in his custody, as in 

 the enjoyment {I) of full liberty out of doors. It is in a 

 great measure a matter of habit, or of use, but there can 

 be no question that a full consciousness of security and 

 peace must add to the happiness of any living creature, 

 more than compensating for the loss of minor privileges, 

 especially when the latter have never been personally 

 known, as in the case of hand-reared birds which have 

 never had the unrestricted freedom that belongs to others 

 in their wild or natural condition. But such trifles as these 

 are entirely overlooked by the benevolent but mistaken 

 people who in the tamest and most confiding of cage 

 birds can see nothing but poor, suffering " winged prisoners." 



THE JUDCOCK. See Snipe (Common). 



THE KESTREL. See unde?' Hawks. 



THE KINGFISHER. 



Though not adapted to cage-life, the Kingfisher will live 

 and do well in a garden aviary some 20 feet or so in 

 length through which a little stream can be made to flow ; 

 if this expands into a shallow pool at one end of the 

 enclosure, so much the better, and if it is stocked with 

 fish (minnows, etc.) and water insects, and has a bank on 

 one side, a pair of Kingfishers will do very well in it, and 



