THE WOODPECKER. 



227 



of one which they name "the wiry-billed woodpecker," and believe that 

 his ardour and courage will pass into them. A well-founded belief, 

 as experience has sho"s\m. The puniest heart must feel strengthened 

 which sees ever present before it this eloquent symbol, saying : "I 

 shall be like it in strength and constancy." 



Only it should be noted that, if the woodpecker be a hero, he is 

 the peaceful hero of labour. He asks nothing more. His beak, 

 which might be very formidable, and his powerful spurs, are never- 

 theless prepared for everything else but combat. His toil so completely 

 absorbs him, that no competition could stimulate him to fight. It 

 engulfs him, requires of him all the exertion of his faculties. 



Varied and complex is his work. At first the skilful forester, full 

 of tact and experience, tests his tree with his hammer — I mean his 



