186 BIRDS' NESTS. 



access. Here he collects a vast quantity of 

 sharp thorny sticks, which he weaves together 

 with consummate skill, as if, indeed, he had 

 been all his days practising the harmless pro- 

 fession of a basket-maker. His house, when 

 finished, presents the appearance of a huge ball 

 of spines, as proof against injury as an angry 

 porcupine. One small hole only in the side 

 is left undefended, through which, the bandit, 

 while at home, keeps a steady watch, and if 

 danger approaches, makes off as rapidly as if 

 every intruder were a policeman. The magpie 

 lays six or seven pale blue eggs, spotted with 

 ash colour, and two shades of greenish brown. 

 These are nearly an inch and a half long, and 

 an inch broad. 



JAY. Garrulus ylandarius. 

 PLATE XV. FIG. 1. 



THERE is nothing remarkable in the nest of 

 the Jay ; it is usually built in a low bush, or 

 in the fork of a tree in a wood. The founda- 



