36 ' WOODPECKER.

perforate a hole; to assist which, the stiff tail is of
infinite use.

Woodpeckers are commonly seen climbing up a tree,
but never down, as some have asserted. The hole which
they make is as perfect a circle as if described by a
pair of compasses. For the places of nidification, the
softer woods are attacked, the elm, ash, and, particularly
‘the aspen, but rarely the oak. These are only perforated
where they have symptoms of decay; and the excavations
are frequently deep, to give security to their eggs. This
species lays four or five white eggs, weighing about two
drachms, which are placed on the rotten wood, without
any nest. The young birds have the appearance of
crimson on their heads, but not so bright as in adults.

Ants and their eggs are a favourite repast of this
species, for which they are frequently seen on the ground
searching the emmet hills. The tongue is here made
use of instead of the bill, similar to that of the wryneck.
Its note is harsh, and its manner of flying undulated.”