171 HISTORY OF 



and defence. As was said above, the woodpecker feeds upon 

 insects ; and particularly on those which are lodged in the body 

 of hollow or of rotting trees. The tongue is its instrument for 

 killing and procuring this food ; which cannot be found in great 

 plenty. This is round, ending in a stiff, sharp, bony tip, denta- 

 ted on both sides, like the beard of an arrow and this it can 

 dart out three or four inches from the bill, and draw in again at 

 pleasure. Its prey is thus transfixed, and drawn into the bill, 

 which, when swallowed, the dart is again launched at fresh 

 game. Nothing has employed the attention of the curious in 

 this part of anatomy, more than the contrivance by which the 

 tongue of this bird performs its functions with such great cele- 

 rity. The tongue is drawn back into the bill by the help of 

 two small round cartilages, fastened into the forementioned 

 bony tip, and running along the length of the tongue. These 

 cartilages, from the root of the tongue, take a circuit beyond the 

 ears ; and being reflected backwards to the crown of the head, 

 make a large bow. The muscular spongy flesh of the tongue 

 incloses these cartilages, like a sheath ; and is so made that it 

 may be extended or contracted like a worm. The cartilages in- 

 deed have muscles accompanjdng them along their whole length 

 backwards. — But there is still another contrivance ; for there is 

 a broad muscle joining the cartilcnges to the bones of the skull, 

 which, by contracting or dilating, forces the cartilages forward 

 through the tongue, and then forces the tongue and all through 

 the bill, to be employed for the animal's preservation in piercing 

 its prey. 



Such is the instrument with which this bird is provided ; and 

 this the manner in which this instrument is employed. When 

 a woodpecker, by its natural sagacity, finds out a rotten hollow 

 tree, where there are worms, ant's eggs, or insects, it immediate- 

 ly prepares for its operations. Resting by its strong claws, and 

 leaning on the thick feathers of its tail, it begins to bore with its 

 sharp strong beak, until it discloses the whole internal habitation. 

 Upon this, either through pleasure at the sight of its prey, or 

 with a desire to alarm the insect colony, it sends forth a loud 

 cry, which throws terror and confusion into the whole insect 

 tribe. They creep hither and thither, seeking for safety ; while 

 the bird luxuriously feasts upon them at leisure, darting its 

 tongue with unerring certainty, and devouring Jhe whole brood. 



