138 BIRDS OF THE WAVE AND WOODLAND 



they returned year after year ; but the cottagers, who gave 

 the birds protection for the sake of their society, were 

 compelled to confess that the only return the pies made 

 for their clemency was to try to rob the hens and kill the 

 chickens. 



Jays in many ways resemble magpies, being quite as 

 cunning and just as destructive ; and even those who are 

 most averse to the persecution of any wild creature are 

 compelled to warn the jay off their premises if they wish 

 their game to thrive, or the song-birds in their shrubberies 

 to live in security. For this beautiful but unprincipled bird 

 is a most diligent and successful bird's-nester ; and, in spite 

 of its conspicuous plumage, so stealthy in its mischief, that 

 a pair will " work" a shrubbery thoroughly without betraying 

 themselves even to the Qrardeners. Even if the clamour of 

 ' the small birds attracts you to the spot, you will see nothing 

 to explain their alarm, and the cat that you afterwards come 

 upon watching for a mouse under the bushes is saddled 

 with the blame which ought really to be fastened upon the 

 pretty wretches that are watching you from the foliage over- 

 head. The magpie and jay are, I confess, two birds that 

 I like to see — on other people's grounds. On my own 

 I should prefer them stuffed, and right handsomely do they 

 lend themselves to the artistic taxidermist. In combination 

 and contrast no two birds are more beautiful, and as an 

 ornament for a hall or billiard- room are not to be surpassed. 



