THE JAY. 185 



him, and away he goes with a chatter, as it seems, 

 of derision. Keepers generally find the trap more 

 effective than the gun if they want to destroy a Jay. 



If taken young and well trained, this bird makes 

 a most amusing pet, not only from his curious 

 actions, but from his great powers of mimicry. He 

 will learn to whistle, and imitate a cat, dog, or hen 

 to great perfection. In some parts of Sussex we 

 have often noticed tame Jays at the cottage-doors, 

 and we have wondered why a bird of such attractive 

 plumage and such engaging manners is not more 

 generally sought after. 



If, instead of being killed by shot or trap, Jays 

 were taken alive, the object of the game-preserver 

 would be accomplished, the keeper would be re- 

 warded, the bird-fancier delighted, and the life of a 

 beautiful bird would be spared. 



