Jays. 
Genkral Notes : This terrible snnimer has been very 
disastrous for all breeding results. It has rained extremely 
heavily for the past six weeks and the aviaries have had little 
chance to dry. Some of the Waxbills have built nests and many 
are carrying materials about, but unless we have some hot sun 
I am not hopeful. 
" Blessed is he who expects nothing" is the best motto for 
this year. 
* * * 
By H. WiLLFORD. 
The Jays, which appear in the accompanying photos, were 
taken when quite young, from a nest built in a crab-apple tree, 
in the grounds here. I fear I have not much of interest to 
record concerning them ; they were reared without difBculty on 
meat and Mealox, later barley meal was also given. 
Considerable patience was required to photograph them, 
they proved bad sitters, were indifferent fliers and thought 
nothing of alighting on the camera itself, but, at last, by the 
aid of a piece of beef on the end of a stick, they were gathered 
together " all in a row" and induced to sit for their portraits* 
The young taken were six in number, all being fully 
reared and are doing well ; they are interesting and handsome, 
but garrulous birds. 
Correspondence, 
COAL TITS. 
Sir, — Will any of the readers of Bird Notes kindly inform 
me whether Tits are in the habit of building their nests under- 
ground ? One such was found here this summer in the roots of 
a fir tree, the solid earth forming the top of nest and with rather 
a wide aperture. On a casual glance it might have passed as the 
entrance to a rat hole. The almost fledged young could be seen 
moving about inside. It was difficult to get a good view of the 
parent birds, they slipped in and out so quickly. I fancy they 
were Coal Tits. Hon. Mrs. SOMERSET Ward. 
