The Jay. 



393 



imitate a few notes of the Thrush or Blackbird, when kept 

 constantly in the company of these birds. The Jay can 

 be taught to pronounce words, and repeat short phrases 

 intelligibly, especially if the ligature beneath the tongue is 

 severed ; this should be done when the bird is about five or 

 six weeks old. 



Points to be Observed in JuDama. — Choose a well-formed 

 bird, erect in carriage, brilliant in the various colours of its 

 plumage, and close and compact in its body feathering. The 

 throat and rump should be pure white, the '^moustache" 

 well defined, and the back, breast, neck, &c., of a clear reddish 

 cinnamon. The chequering on the wings is of considerable 

 importance, and should be regular and distinct. The tail and 

 wings must be well formed, and carried jauntily ; the eyes should 

 be keen and penetrating. The exhibit must be lively in its 

 actions, perfectly clean, in good bodily condition, and possess 

 well-formed feet and claws. It must be steady on the perch 

 whilst being handled, and not afraid of strangers. Hence, 

 house-moulted birds of two or three years of age are best. 



General Eemarks. — The Jay is not so easily domesticated 

 as the Magpie, and when allowed its liberty, even with clipped 

 wings, it soon becomes wild, and easily scared. It is best 

 kept in a large cage, which should be well sanded and 

 frequently cleaned out ; its food and water are best placed 

 on the outside, as it is a dirty, mischievous bird, and, if 

 soft food were given it inside the cage, it would pull the 

 vessels about, and scatter the food in all directions. The 

 Jay is a very inquisitive bird, and may be observed listening 

 attentively to any unusual sound, and, in the wild state, 

 through this natural propensity it frequently discovers food 

 secreted by other birds or animals. It is so much persecuted 

 and hunted after by farmers, gardeners, gamekeepers, and 

 others, that even hunger will not always induce it to 

 approach too near human habitations for succour and support. 



Diseases and their Treatment. — The Jay is an uncom- 

 monly hardy bird, and seldom on the sick list. When it 

 is, a change of food will generally restore it. It is subject to 

 the same complaints as the Magpie, and the remarks anent 

 that bird are equally applicable. 



