THE BL UE JAY. 271 



of our handsomest birds, and we are glad to say that it has within 

 recent years becoming comparatively common in Lochaber. Like 

 its congener the magpie, it is looked upon with considerable 

 suspicion as an enemy to game ; eating up, it is alleged, grouse, 

 and partridge, and pheasant eggs as a favourite honne bouche, and 

 even devouring the newly hatched young. It is a shy and solitary 

 bird, even where it is common, and we do not know its habits and 

 economy sufficiently to entitle us, much as we are inclined, to enter 

 on its defence under such an indictment ; but, from all we have 

 been enabled to gather on the subject, we should meantime be dis- 

 posed to record the tertium quid verdict of " Not proven." 



