ROLLERS. 511 



The American variety of Jay is not quite as large as the 

 European representative. Its plumage is less brilliant. In 

 characteristics they are much alike, being equally mischievous and 

 dreaded by the smaller feathered denizens at the period of nesting. 



The NUT -CRACKER (Nucifraga caryocatactes) is furnished with a 

 long, strong, and straight bill, with which it can penetrate under 

 the bark of trees when in search of insects, and open the cones of 

 firs and pines, on the kernels of which it feeds ; failing these, it eats 

 the hazel-nut and wild fruit, from which circumstance its name is 

 derived. They inhabit the mountain forests of Europe and Asia, 

 building their nests in the trunks of trees, to which they are 

 capable of clinging, but not of climbing. 



The ROLLERS (Coracias garrula) y Fig. 220, have in their general 



Fig. 220. European Roller (Galgulus, Briss.). 



appearance and habits considerable resemblance to the Jays ; but 

 they differ from the beak being more robust, and the nostrils 

 uncovered ; they are also more timid, withdrawing into the 

 thickest parts of the woods, which are their favourite haunts. When 

 taken young from the nest it is tameable. Dr. Meyer, of Offen- 

 bach, and others, have succeeded in rearing them ; but although 

 they become so tame as to know those who attend to their wants, 

 they never grow familiar. Their favourite food consists of 



