CONCLUSION. 



It is not my purpose to generalize or make further deduc- 

 tions from the evidence collected, but there are some facts and 

 thoughts which appear to me to have not an unimportant 

 bearing on the subject in general. Few species offer greater 

 possibilities and at the same time more difficulties in the way 

 of a close study, than this bird. To deduct the general facts 

 or principles underlying the migration, reproduction, moult- 

 ing, mode, variation, hybridization, etc., of this one species 

 would in all probability go far toward solving the many vexed 

 problems so important to science and yet so imperfectly under- 

 stood. The Flicker is both progressive and energetic — a tj^pi- 

 cal American. It may be said to be perfectly fitted or designed 

 to meet the conditions of its environment, but the surround- 

 ings are changing, and its habits, food or plumage may alter 

 perceptibly in the not remote future. It doubtless represents 

 a comparatively recent off -shoot of the genus, and is j-et under- 

 going certain modifications of an evolutionary nature. Un- 

 doubtedly its comparative! 3^ weak curved beak, so like a pick 

 and .so unlike the drill-shaped bill of the Woodpecker, would 

 become so less able to withstand the strain of hardwood cut- 

 ting the less it is u.sed for that purpose, and burrowing in the 

 earth, soft wood and bark become the extent of its capa- 

 bilities in that line ; but it by no means follows that its chisel- 

 ing power is suffering marked diminution within recent years 

 or the immediate prospect of its curtailment as long as timber 

 is so plentiful. Favorable to the preservation and increase of 

 the species, I maj' mention an almost perfect protection during 

 the critical breeding time from the inclemency of the weather, 

 and carnivorously inclined beasts, birds and reptiles ; great 

 powers of reproduction ; abundance of suitable food : hardi- 

 ness ; absence of harmful traits ; case of adaptation to conditions 

 of surroundings ; and the possession of the great advantage 

 over nearly all of our Woodpeckers in having a much less con- 



