64 IN THE GREEN LEAF 



the weather, in the decayed fibres of the wood. 

 When the weather is genial, they naturally 

 draw as closely as they can get to the outer crust 

 of decaying matter. Then the woodpecker's 

 work is easy ; he can stock and pick to his 

 heart's content, now and again scuttling up to 

 a top pike to drum, in the exuberance of con- 

 tent over a well-filled stomach, just to let his 

 future mate know that he is doing exceed- 

 ingly well. 



But let the wind change to the east or north- 

 east, and a change comes over the spirit of the 

 scene, putting a stop to his playing. All his 

 time is now fully occupied in working hard for 

 a living, for the grubs have gone back as far as 

 they can go, and the mature insects have crept 

 under the loose bark. So strongly are all 

 creatures affected by a sudden change from 

 due south and south-west to east and north- 

 east, that the whole range of woods and fields 

 are for the time mute : with the exception of 

 the storm-cock, not a bird is to be heard ; but 

 he sings through it all. 



I have not seen the bird under notice visit 

 the ground, as the yaffle will, in fruit orchards. 

 Long lines of ants visit the plum and cherry 

 trees, for the sake of the gum so liberally 



