266 
found in Germany, whence it extends to the most 
northern parts of Russia and Siberia. In England 
it has been met with only in a few instances, 
These birds, living in or near woods, are of a 
retiring and shy disposition, hiding themselves from 
view on the approach of an intruder, by passing 
to that side of the tree or branch which is farthest 
from the disturber of their repose. They search 
the bark of trees, or decayed parts, for any insects 
that may be concealed in the fissures, and in default 
of such food will feed on nuts, seeds, or berries. 
During the night these birds occupy the holes so 
frequently observed in trees, in which, at the usual 
season, the female deposits her eggs, three in 
number, and of a white smooth and shining surface. 
W-OODP EC K Hiky «Gavi aeN. 
Picus viripis, Lin. 
This is acommon inhabitant of all the wooded 
parts of England and Scotland, where it is per- 
manently resident. Besides searching trees for 
larvee and insects, it often betakes itself to the 
ground to seek for other insects, and particularly 
ants and their eggs. It lays its eg@s in trees, per- 
forating, for their reception, a round hole, sometimes 
