132 GRAY LADY AND THE BIRDS 
Such mixed-up things your voice recalls, 
With its peculiar quirks and falls. 
Well, Pll admit 
There’s merit in a voice that’s truthful; 
Yours is not honey sweet nor youthful, 
But querulously fit. 
And if we cannot sing, we’ll say 
Something to the purpose, Jay! 
— GrorGce Parsons LATHROP. 
“The Blue Jay makes as good a forest watchman as 
the Crow. Steal along ever so quietly, and if he chances 
to spy you, good-by to seclusion; his cry of alarm rouses 
every bird within ear-shot. But it is in their family life 
the Jays show to the best advantage, for they will stay 
by the nest and fight to the death, if necessary, while big 
cousin Crow, though he makes a precious racket, takes 
good care to keep himself well out of harm’s way. 
“One trait belongs to this bird that I have never seen 
recorded of any other, though, of course, it may be common 
to all, and that is the care of the aged. 
“To care for the young, even among people, is an instinct 
as strong as self-protection. To care for the aged implies 
a good heart and a certain amount of unselfishness. This 
story is written down by Major Bendire, in his book on the 
Life Histories of American Birds. He lived much with the 
birds, and saw so truly that the Wise Men believe what he 
records. 
Mr. Firth to Major Bendire, — 
I made some observations last summer on the habits of the 
Blue Jay, which certainly show a degree of sympathy and 
kindness worthy of imitation of animals of a higher order. Last 
August (1887), on an old farm in Jefferson County, Wisconsin, 
