NOTES TO THE 



pointed at the ends somewhat like the head of a spear. The tail- 

 feathers on either side are also spear-headed, so that when the 

 tail is expanded like a lady's fan it forms a most admirable prop, 

 by means of which the bird supports himself as he climbs up the 



' \\\c 



FlG. A. TAIL OF WOODPECKF.il. 



sides of the tree. Whereas the claws of the fowl are made to 

 scratch in the earth, or the claws of the eagle for seizing its 

 prey, we find that the claws of the woodpecker are so 

 sharply curved that they form half a circle, Tig. B. The points 



