50 HOME STUDIES IN NATURE. 



idana) is a frequenter of the grove ; his shrill cry is 

 echoed from tree to tree, and he goes where he will, 

 unmolested. This species is about the size of our well- 

 known blue-jay, twelve inches in length, and its habits 

 are similar. The general color is blue, but the head 

 is not crested, and the wings are not barred with black, 

 as in the other species. 



Notwithstanding the bad reputation of the jays, I 

 must confess to a strong regard for them. Their plu- 

 mage is beautiful, and their droll, comical ways are 

 enough to bring a smile upon the face of the most 

 sedate observer. 



In the winter the Florida jay was so well behaved, 

 feeding upon acorns of the live and water oaks, that I 

 began to think that he in a measure redeemed the bad 

 reputation of his family. The other feathered denizens 

 of the grove did not molest him, and he in turn seemed 

 peaceably inclined, except upon one occasion, when the 

 taunting tones of a mocking-bird seemed to irritate 

 him. He was answering the cry of a companion from 

 a neighboring tree, when the mocking-bird, perched on 

 his throne of grape-vine, took up the cry in a derisive 

 tone. The jay turns and looks upon the mocker, who, 

 seeing his movement, for a few moments is quiet. The 

 jay renews the colloquy. The mocking-bird, unable to 

 resist a spirit of mischief, cautiously resumes the jeering 

 cry, at first low, not attracting the attention of the jay, 

 but soon he becomes more bold, and raises the key-note. 

 To be mocked at and insulted in this way is too much 



