AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 



257 



Photo from life. 



THE FIRST SHOT. 



(Just after feeding;.) 



the reach of a charge from the cut-off barrel. Morning after morning 

 the harsh incisive alarm notes of the Blue Jay warned all creatures to 

 beware of the hunter. Day by day while the boy was busied with his 

 tasks at school this cry of the Jay rang in his ears. Early and late he 

 sought the crafty creature through the glens, but Spring departed, Sum- 

 mer waxed and waned, and the Autumn leaves were rustling down, ere 

 his patience was rewarded. He had learned by this, time "as he be- 

 lieved" to know the peculiar significance of each different call and to 

 imitate some of them. Behold him seated on a rocky eminence one 



