LABOUR. 

 THE WOODPECKER. 



AMONG the calumnies of which birds 

 have been made the victims, none is more 

 absurd than to say, as it has been said, that 

 the woodpecker, when burrowing among the 

 trees, selects the robust and healthy trunks, 

 those that offer the greatest difficulties, and 

 must increase his toil. Common sense plainly 

 shows that the poor animal, living upon 

 worms and insects, will seek the infirm, the 

 rotten trees, those offering the least resistance, 

 and promising, moreover, the most abun- 

 dant prey. The persistent hostility which 

 he wages against the destructive tribes 

 that would corrupt the vigorous trunk, 

 is a signal service rendered to man. The 

 State owes him, if not the appointment, 

 at least the honorary title, of Conservator 

 of the Forests. But what is the fact ? That for all his reward, 

 ignorant officials have often set a price upon his head ! 



