THE LEWIS WOODPECKER. 443 
a Sapsucker, now, or a Harris, we could readily understand how the ab- 
dominal plumage might have been teased to rags thru constant friction 
with rough bark; but this lazy Jack-of-all-trades, who is more flycatcher than 
true woodpecker, how did he get his under-plumage so fearfully mussed ? 
For all the Black 
Woodpecker keeps 
largely to the tops of 
trees, it is not averse to 
ground -meats, and 
where unmolested, will 
descend to feed with 
Cousin Flicker upon 
crickets, geotic beetles, 
or fallen acorns. Grass- 
hoppers are a favorite 
food, and during the 
season of their greatest 
abundance the bird re- 
quires little else. Serv- 
ice-berries are a staple 
in season, wild straw- 
berries are not often 
neglected, and the bird 
has been known to filch 
a cherry now and then. 
Indeed, it is noteworthy 
that in certain fruit- 
growing sections, such 
as the Yakima Valley, 
Black Woodpeckers 
have increased in num- 
bers of late. It must 
not be hastily conclud- 
ed on this account that 
the Woodpecker is a cee 
menace to the orchard. 
He earns what he eats. LEWIS WOODPECKER 
Orchards attract in- 
sects, and insects attract birds. Which will you have, no birds, more 
insects, and so, eventually, no fruit? or more birds, fewer insects, and enough 
fruit for all? 
The occurrence of the Black Woodpecker west of the Cascades is 
