

LABOUR. 



THE WOODPECKEE. 



Among the calumnies of which birds 

 ha\e been made the victims, none is more 

 absuid than to say, as it has been said, that 

 the woodpecker, when burrowing among the 

 trees, selects the robust and healthy tininks, 

 those that offer the greatest difficulties, and 

 must increase his toil. Common sense plainly 

 shows that the poor animal, living upon 

 Avorms and insects, will seek the infirm, the 

 1 otten trees, those offering the least resistance, 

 and promising, moreover, the most abun- 

 ^^ dant prey. The persistent hostility whicli 

 '^P^ he wages against the destructive tribes 

 that would corrupt the vigorous trunk, 

 ' ii^.^¥^ i"? a signal service rendered to man. The 

 '{i^-^'^r^ t. State owes him, if not the appomtment, 

 ■J^.uy.t' at least the honorary title, of Conservator 

 of the Forests. But what is the fact ? That for aU his reward, 

 ionorant officials have often set a price upon his head ! 



