OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 137 



ing the nest, they keep together for a brief period, then scatter, 

 each one caring only for itself. 



Wilson cites a rather interesting incident in the life of this 

 species. A pair of House Wrens once took a fancy to the 

 nest which a pair of Woodpeckers had worked at a great 

 expense of time and labor. They instantly commenced an 

 attack upon the latter, who, after a brave resistance, were 

 compelled to abandon their home. The Woodpeckers then 

 commenced another nest close-by, which they were also 

 forced to leave, after having laid one egg. 



Their frequent visits to our shade and fruit trees in quest 

 of the vermin that lurk beneath their bark, has led ignorant 

 persons to imagine that they were attracted on account of 

 the sap ; hence the common appellation of Sap Suckers 

 which is applied to them. Instead of being an injury to the 

 trees, they are of incalculable benefit to them, as those 

 trees which are punctured by Woodpeckers, are the most 

 thriving. This fact was first investigated by Wilson. Our 

 experience happily confirms the truth thereof. The im- 

 mense good which they thus accomplish, should induce ag- 

 riculturalists and fruit-growers to secure for them that 

 protection which they eminently deserve ; but, alas ! there is 

 a disposition upon the part of their rightful protectors to 

 persecute them. 



The eggs of this species are nearly spherical, of a crystalline 

 whiteness, and measure .82 of an inch in length and .71 in 

 width. 



Spliyrapicus varius, Band. 



The Yellow-bellied Woodpecker ranges from the Gulf of 

 Mexico to high northern latitudes, and from the Atlantic 

 Ocean to the Rocky Mountains. Richardson found it quite 

 abundant in the fur regions, where it is the only species that 

 moves in flocks. Swainson recorded it among the species 

 from Mexico ; and Dr. Gundlach and De la Sagra, as a non- 

 breeding denizen of Cuba. Gosse found it a winter resi- 

 18 



