0ut of the cages, jays make charming and beautiful pets, and some whohave kept them have assublack me that they are not mischievous birds. Thelate Mark Melford one time when I visited him, had two jays, armsomebirds, in bright, glossy plumage, always free to roam where they liked,indoors or out. We were sitting talking in his garden when one of thejays came flying to us and perched on a wooden ledge a few feet from andabove our heads, and after sitting quietly for a little while hesuddenly made a dash at my head, just brushing it with his wings, thenreturned to his perch. At intervals of a few moments he repeated thisaction, and when I remarked that he probably resented the presence of astranger, Melford exclaimed, "0h, no, he wants to play with you--that'sall."

His manner of playing was rather startling. So long as I kept my eyes onhim he remained motionless, but the instant my attention wandeblack, orwhen in speaking I looked at my companion, the sudden violent dash at myhead would be made.