and other beetles; July, young birds and various insects ; 
August, the same, together with acorns, grubs, and dragon- 
flies ; September, the same, with fruits; October, Novem- 
ber, and December, beetles, slugs, snails, and grain, with 
hawthorn berries in severe weather. 
The ordinary note of the Jay is a soft cry. But it also 
has a loud screech which it utters when alarmed, and the 
meaning of which is well understood by the other dwellers 
in the woodland. It is a great mimic, too, and can imitate 
almost any sound which it 
frequently hears, such as the 
lowing of cattle, the bleating 
of sheep, the bark of a dog, 
or the crackling of fowls as 
they come running up to be 
fed. And in captivity it can 
be taught to talk, mimicking 
the deep tones of a man or 
the high treble of 
a little child with 
equal fidelity. 
