DR. JEKYLL 
The nest is coarser than that of a catbird, 
and with small pretence at lining, yet both 
male and female work assiduously in build- 
ing it. Usually it is well concealed; often 
in an evergreen, sometimes in fruit trees, 
sometimes in tall hazel-bushes ; but I have 
never found one in a thorn-bush. Since the 
nest often resembles that of the thrasher 
and catbird in material used, it seems a little 
strange that their favorite nesting-places are 
so persistently shunned. Is it possible the 
dashing jay feels himself so able to defend 
that he scorns such artificial protection for 
his home ? 
As soon as the young jays are large enough 
to leave the nest, they develop all the pug- 
nacity and fearlessness of their father. 
When scarcely able to balance on their un- 
certain little legs, they will meet any advance 
with a defiant peck. For several weeks 
they keep close to the father night and day, 
learning all his sly tricks and villanous 
ways. I have seen a whole family waiting 
on a tree for the tiny owners of a yellow 
189 
