PIC ID J]. 319 



whicli abound both under tbe bark and among the 

 crevices at its surface, the tongue is sharp, pointed, 

 barbed, and endued with a glutinous matter, fur- 

 nished by large glands situated in the throat, and 

 communicating" with the front of the mouth by two 

 long ducts ; so that the glutinous coating is renewed 

 every time the tongue is drawn within the bill. These 

 birds feed also upon fruits and seeds. The Wood- 

 peckers roost and breed in holes in trees, which they 

 are able to enlarge by means of their strong, sharp 

 beaks ; their only nest consists of the chips and 

 debris at the bottom of the excavation. Their eggs 

 are variable in number, smooth, shining, and of a 

 pure white colour. 



This family embraces the Barbets, the Piculets, 

 the Woodpeckers proper, the Green AtV^oodpeckers, 

 the Black Woodpeckers, the Ground Woodpeckers, 

 and, the Wrvnecks. 



