OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 19 



Lonicerapericlymenum, are eaten with a gusto. As spring 

 approaches, and insects become more numerous, its hill of 

 fare is considerably enlarged. In addition to the foregoing 

 insects, we have detected the remains of CEdipoda Carolina, 

 CE. uebulosa, CE. sulphured, Caloptenus femur-ruhrum, 

 Acheta nigra, Lachnosterna quercina, L. hirticula, Sea- 

 rites subterraneus, Rhynchccnus strobi, in our several 

 stomach-examinations. Later, immense numbers of cater- 

 pillars, injurious as well as otherwise, are destroyed, as 

 shown in the following list: Clisiocampa Americana, 

 Anisopteryx vernata, A. pometaria, Zerene catenaria, 

 Orgya leucostigma* Limacodes scapha, Hybernia tiliaria, 

 and Hales idota tessellaris ; in addition to the above, mature 

 individuals of the Noctuidce and Tortricidce, with ants and 

 earthworms. 



The Jay possesses one trait which detracts largely from 

 its general good character. It has a propensity to destroy 

 the eggs and young of smaller birds, and we have even 

 known it to kill full-grown birds. The good which it accom- 

 plishes in the destruction of insects, outweighs tenfold the 

 mischief which it commits, and should encourage us to de- 

 sist our persecutions, and accord to it a most generous 

 welcome. The depredations which it commits upon the 

 garden or the farm, are too trivial to mention. 



To give our readers some idea of the good which this 

 species has accomplished in some portions of the country, 

 we cannot do better than to give substantially Dr. Kirtland's 

 estimate of its character as given by Dr. Brewer in "North 

 American Birds." When he first settled upon his farm, he 

 observed that every wild-cherry and apple tree was well- 

 nigh denuded of its leaves, by the larvae of Clisiocampu 

 Americana. The evil was so widespread that all efforts to 

 counteract it seemed utter hopelessness. At this crisis, the 

 Jays made their appearance, and established colonies. The 

 tent-caterpillar constituted a ready diet for their youag, and 

 was preyed upon so extensively, that in two or three yean 



