12 THE O. & O. SEMI-ANNUAL. 
The writer has never been fortunate enough to observe this species 
in the act of killing and devouring young birds ; but has on several] 
occasions seen them stealing eggs from other birds’ nests ; but not- 
withstanding all this they do a wonderful amount of good by destroy- 
ing a great many insect, which I think certainly overbalances their 
egg stealing and bird killing propensities. As to the food of this spe- 
cies it is voluminous and various, being both vegetable and animal in 
character. Having made an examination of over sixty (60) stom- 
achs, which were taken at different intervals since the spring of 1880, 
the contents has given sufficient evidence to warrant a verdict in fav- 
or of this species being of great value to farmers, and will show that 
the Blue Jay is not half so bad a fellow as many would suppose. 
Among insects which seem to be eagerly devoured throughout the 
summer months are Tent Caterpillar (Clisiocampa americana), For- 
est Tent Caterpillar (C. sylvatica), Promethea Moths (Callosamia 
promethea), White-marked Tussock Moth (Orgya leucostigma), 
Spring Cankerworm (Anisopteryx vernata), Autumn Cankerworm 
(A. pometaria), Lime-tree Winter Moth (Hybernia titiaria), Com- 
ma Butterfly (Grapta comma), Red-legged Grasshopper (Caloptenus 
femur-rubrum), Green Striped Grasshopper (Chimarocephala viridifa- 
ciaia), May Beetle (Lachnosterna fusca), Earthworm (Lumbricus 
terestris) and Red Ant (Formica sanguinea). ‘The fruits of the fol- 
lowing are also eaten: American Beech (Fagus ferrugine:) Red Ce- 
dar (Juniperus viriginiania), White Oak (Quercus albi) Scrub Pine 
(Pinus inops), and seeds of wheat, corn and blackberries. 
In conclusion I will give a few words from the pen of Dr. Kirtland 
in regard to this species as an insect destroyer, and which appears in 
Dr. Brewer’s “North America Birds.”’ He says: ‘When he first set- 
tled upon his farm, he observed that every wild cherry and apple 
tree was well nigh denuded of its leaves by the larvee of Clisiocampa 
americana. The evil was so widespread that all efforts to counteract 
it seemed seemed utter hopelessness. At this crisis the Jays made 
their appearance and established colonies. The tent-caterpillars 
constituted a ready diet for their young, and were preyed upon so 
extensively that in two or three years afterwards, not a single indi- 
vidual was to be seen in the vicinity.” 
This alone certainly creates impressions in their favor, and should 
encourage us to stop all persecutions, and give them a most generous 
welcome. 
