256 REMINISCENCES OP A SPOETSMAN. 



the next pairing time in spring, when they choose 

 each his mate. In general they feed on acorns, nuts, 

 seeds, and fruits of all kinds; but sometimes destroy 

 young chickens and eggs, and commit the same robberies 

 respecting game, therefore they may fairly come under 

 the class of a bird of prey. Like the magpie, they are 

 very difficult to approach within gunshot. They are 

 often kept in cages and will talk pretty well, but lose 

 most of their beauty, so conspicuous in their wild state. 



