JAY. MAGPIE. 161 



builds its nest ; and feeds on insects, seeds, and grain. It 

 is very voracious, and of such a thievish disposition, that 

 it frequently carries off much more than it can consume. 

 In fact, it is extremely injurious to farmers and gardeners; 

 and therefore is continually proscribed, and destroyed by 

 various devices. 



THE JAY. 



This is one of the most beautiful of our native birds. 

 The forehead is white, streaked with black ; the head is 

 covered with very long feathers, capable of being erected 

 at pleasure ; the neck, breast, back, and belly, are of a 

 faint purple colour, dashed with grey ; and the greater 

 coverts of the wings are most elegantly barred with a 

 lively hue, black and white. 



The jay feeds on fruits, and is very injurious to gardens* 

 In winter, it derives part of its subsistence from acorns, 

 and will sometimes kill small birds. Its natural note is 

 very disagreeable ; but such is its docility, that it is easily 

 taught to imitate the human voice. There are various 

 species, all distinguished by the beautiful tints of their 

 plumage. 



THE MAGPIE. 



The magpie ranks among the most elegant birds of the 

 crow kind. Its colours, black, green, white, and purple, 

 with the rich gilded variations of its tail, justly entitle it 

 to admiration ; but these natural perfections are not a little 

 depreciated by its ambition and affectation. Vain, restless, 

 loud, and quarrelsome, it is every where an unwelcome 

 intruder, and seems to take a delight in mischief. 



This bird lives not only on birds and insects, but also 

 cm such small animals of the feathered race as it is able to 

 overcome. It has even the insolence to teaze the largest 

 quadrupeds, when it is sure that it can escape punishment. 

 It often perches itself on the back of a sheep or an ox, 

 picking out the insects that lodge there, chattering, and 

 tormenting the animal ; and, on any symptom of disple - 



