THE ORIOLES, BLACKBIRDS, CROWS, AND JAYS. 173 



In spring more or less fruit is consumed. In March apples 

 frozen on the trees amounted to thirty-two per cent. Fresh 

 fruit is taken quite largely in June and July, averaging about 

 thirty-five per cent, for the two months. Of this strawberries, 

 currants, blackberries, and mulberries were the only cultivated 

 species, and none of these were taken in much quantity. 



The insects eaten were mainly beetles, grasshoppers, and 

 caterpillars. Most of the beetles belonged to the familes 

 ( 'ambidce and Scarabceidce. Grasshoppers and caterpillars are 

 both eaten quite extensively. Walnut caterpillars (Datana) 

 are sometimes destroyed in great numbers. 



In this analysis only two stomachs contained traces of 

 egg-shells of small birds, and only one, remains of young. 

 In a few stomachs were found remains of fish, salamanders, 

 frogs, mice, and a shrew. 



Except in cases where blue-jays are actually engaged in 

 depredations it is unwise to destroy them. As a rule, they 

 are beneficial. 



HEAD OF PURPLE GRACKLE. 



