It is said that, during the early period of the French 
Revolution, when persons of all ranks had suddenly 
obtained the unlimited power of ranging the woods 
and forests in quest ot game, vast flocks of Jays, 
terrified by the unusual noise of the guns, flew over 
to the nearest opposite coasts of England, instead of 
endeavouring to escape by retreating into other parts 
of the country ; and that on some of our own coasts 
these birds were observed in vast numbers, seemingly 
exhausted with fatigue, yet endeavouring to gain 
the nearest wooded retreats. 
