282 
OUR HOME BIRDS. 
sacrifice to his hunger and resentment. In an instant 
the tune is changed ; all their buffoonery vanishes, 
and loud and incessant screams proclaim their dis- 
aster/ ” 
“I should think the jay would be afraid to try 
that very often,” observed Malcolm. 
“ One would thiuk so,” replied the governess, “ but 
it seems that ‘ the blue jays have a particular antip- 
athy to this bird, and frequently insult it by follow- 
ing and imitating its notes so exactly as to deceive 
even those well acquainted with both. In return for 
all this abuse the hawk contents itself with now and 
then feasting on the plumpest of its persecutors, who 
are therefore in perpetual dread of him ; yet, through 
some strange infatuation or from fear that if they lose 
sight of him he may attack them unawares, the spar- 
row-hawk no sooner appears than the alarm is given 
and the whole posse of jays follows/ ” 
“ What silly birds they must be !” commented 
Clara. 
“They certainly do appear to be rather empty- 
headed, like most chatterers, and sometimes show 
malice besides. Of all birds, the blue jay is said 
to be the most bitter enemy to the owl. ‘ No sooner 
has he discovered the retreat of one of these than 
he summons the whole feathered fraternity to his 
assistance, who surround the glimmering solitaire 
