THE JAY. 39 



which the nest is situated, and from this rendezvous start 

 upon their depredating expeditions. 



Even if the small birds (whose unceasing 1 clamour 

 invariably proclaims the arrival of a Jay or Jays in their 

 vicinity) do not make the fact of their presence known, the 

 notorious garrulity of the Jay would attract the attention 

 of the most stolid passer-by. Indeed, gamekeepers often 

 find Jays to be useful detectives, since their continuous 

 chattering is known to determine the presence of some 

 adverse power in the wood wherein they wished to be sole 

 depredators. Therefore the Jay earns universal dislike, for 

 even the poacher knows this bird's proclivities to be so apt 

 to betray his presence, as to completely neutralize the 

 silence of his well-trained lurcher. 



When taken young, the Jay makes a nice pet, for his 

 plumage is more beautiful than that of any of his genus. 

 Even the Magpie cannot vie with the Jay in delicacy of 

 colouring or effective contrast. The crest upon the head of 

 this bird is a striking characteristic, as the feathers, which 

 are greyish-white, have a streak of black along the shaft, 

 whilst the ends are tinged with purplish-red, and these, 

 being elongated, can be elevated at will, and may denote 

 either pleasure or fear. From the base of either lower 

 mandible is a broad streak of black, giving the appearance 

 of a moustache. The wing is exceptionally beautiful, as 

 may be presumed from the plate, which nothing over-rates 

 reality. The white feathers upon the lower part of the 

 back are particularly noticeable in flight, which is dull and 

 heavy. 



The note of the Jay is far from pleasing, being a 

 rapidly-delivered harsh sort of chatter. Some naturalists 

 have made mention of its song, but say it cannot be heard 



