268 LAND-BIRDS AND GAME-BIRDS 
a peculiar fondness for acorns and beech-nuts, which they are 
said to store for the winter. They frequent the woods chiefly, 
in which they build their nests, particularly among the ever- 
greens. They may often be seen, however, in open lands, but 
comparatively seldom on the ground. They fly vigorously, but 
not with the steady, monotonous beat of the Crows. They are 
said to be amusing pets, having in confinement the gaiety and 
roguishness natural to their tribe. Iam told that they may be 
easily caught, by being made drunk through corn dipped in 
whiskey. Grain impregnated with poison is also used to kill 
them. Though common in summer, they are, perhaps, most 
abundant in autumn, when I have once or twice seen as many 
as twenty together not far from Boston. In winter they are 
often scattered, but in spring they reiinite, remaining in flocks 
until May, when they separate to build, becoming less impu- 
dent and more shy. 
(d). Their notes vary endlessly from loud, characteristic 
screams to soft and musical whistles, though all are somewhat 
characterized by the same tone. The Blue Jays are very noisy, 
and possess not only the power of ventriloquism, but also that 
of mimicry. They imitate the cries of the Sparrow Hawk, 
and those of the ‘‘ Hen Hawks,” with great exactness, so that, 
were not these sounds so often heard near houses, they might 
easily deceive even an experienced naturalist. ‘There is one 
note, to which I would particularly call attention, a guttural 
cry not unlike the sound produced by the rapping of wood- 
peckers. This may be heard in spring especially, and is ap- 
parently a love-note. The Jays, on uttering any sounds, are 
obliged to gesticulate in a most ludicrous manner, unless when 
screaming on the wing. 
III. PERISOREUS : 
(A) canapensis. Canada Jay. ‘' Whiskey-Jack.” 
(A resident of northern New England and the countries 
beyond.) 
(a). 10-11 inches long. Ashy or leaden above; dull gray 
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