136 INSESSORES. 
“But the natural instinct of this bird is even more 
remarkable in the choice of the nuts, which are in- 
variably found to be sound, whereas it is an utter 
impossibility, in selecting them for roasting, to pick 
up a batch that will not have a large portion of them 
unfit for use, the most smooth and polished frequently 
containing a large grub generated within. Even the 
wily Digger Indian, with all his craft and experience, 
is unable to arrive at anything like an unerring selec- 
tion, while in a large bagful that we took from the 
bark of our log, there was not one containing the 
slightest germ of decay.” 
This Woodpecker appears to be very abundant, 
occupying a corresponding position with the well- 
known Red-headed species so common to the east- 
ward. They also somewhat resemble each other in 
their plumage, the preponderating colors in both be- 
ing black, white, and crimson. 
The Ivory-billed Woodpecker is the largest species 
found within our territory, measuring twenty-one 
inches in length. It is an inhabitant of the Southern 
and Western States, and notwithstanding its some- 
what awkward look, is certainly a noble and majestic 
bird. Spurning the low occupation of seeking his 
food among stunted trees and bushes, or upon pros- 
trate logs and fence-rails, he leaves this humble game 
to the smaller fry of his tribe, and spreads his ample 
wings among the tall cypress and pines which cover 
vast areas of swampy ground in the Southern States. 
Here, amidst the security of these almost inaccessi- 
ble forests, he regales himself upon the myriads of 
