on some Pheasants a?id a Jay.



83



liave had a very dear and interesting Jay, which was given to me

for a home. He had been kept in a cage, in a hot kitchen, and

naturally was in poor condition. I gradually got him used to

his new and spacious quarters, giving him his old cage inside

the run at first, but I do not think, after he had the courage to

once hop out, he ever entered it again. Jays are very active

birds, and ought to have a large place to fly in. I cut a large

round hole in the side of the wire, and ‘Jack’ soon learnt to fly

into the adjoining run. Here the boughs of an old Arbutus tree

made excellent perches, and he delighted to fly from one aviary

to the other, being equally friendly with the inmates of both. I

fed my Jay on ‘ Cecto,’ mixed fresh daily with hard-boiled egg

and biscuit, and moistened with boiling water; also acorns, fruit

and plenty of insects, but I never gave him any meat at all. He

grew a fine big bird with perfect plumage, and has never ailed a

day. He would look up to my window and call for me the first

thing in the morning, for my aviaries are all within sight of my

windows, which I have found an excellent plan. Having the

inmates constantly in sight has saved many a life from fights or

bullying birds, or greedy ones who will not let others eat. I do

not think birds can be looked at too often by their owners.


My Jay became so very tame that I got into the habit of

leaving the door open when I went in or out. This I did once

too often, and a fortnight ago he flew out, right into my arms. I

put him back, but unfortunately went away. When I came back

he was out again and flying among the trees, calling to me

continually. Gradually he got further and further away, and I

saw him no more. Being told a few days afterwards that he had

been seen in a wood, where there are a few oak trees and many

firs, not far away, I went there and called ‘Jack.’ He flew to¬

wards me at once, calling loudly in answer to his name. But I

fear I shall not get him back now that he has tasted liberty!

My only hope is that when the hard frosts come, food becoming

scarce, and the acorns no more, he will return to the care of his

mistress, and to the society of his old friends the Pheasants.



