212 
NESTS AND EGGS OF 
nating insect, or the perforations of an undermining grub, be heard, and 
in almost the twinkling of an eye, its whereabouts is discovered, and the 
thoughtless culprit dragged out and made to pay the penalty of an inglo- 
rious death for such rashness. Quite as often the detection of food is due 
to the keen vision which these birds possess as to that of a well-trained 
ear, for in their persistent and indefatigable searchings in crack and 
crevice, the most apparently lifeless beetle, or even the death-like ovum of 
the same, does not escape their scrutinizing gaze. 
Should the reader, in his rural walks, visit the haunts of the Nut- 
hatches, it is more than likely that his presence would be greeted by the 
strong nasal cry of honk-honk, which these birds are accustomed to emit, 
at somewhat regular intervals, while foraging. Not that they adopt this 
method of accosting their human brethren upon such occasions, but what 
we mean is, that the birds will be heard, in most instances, before there 
are any bodily manifestations. Even after one has located with tolerable 
precision the tree from which emanated the sounds, a few minutes will 
generally elapse before the authors thereof are clearly outlined against the 
dark background of the bark. To insure success, without waste of time, 
the eyes should be directed upward, as the middle and higher branches of 
the tallest trees are usually chosen for the purposes of feeding, the lower- 
most being seldom resorted to. 
Besides the larvae of beetles, mature forms of elaters and buprestians 
constitute a large share of their winter diet. As winter lapses into spring, 
and there is a consequent increase in the numbers, as well as kinds of in- 
sects, their bill of fare is enlarged, certain new species of coleoptera and 
a few ants being added thereto. When the tulip-tree is in blossom in 
May, many may be seen delving into its floral treasures for the numerous 
small insects which are attracted thither. Earlier, the cone-like fruit is 
visited, and rifled of its samara-shaped seeds. By some writers it is claimed 
that, like its European congener, our species collects and stores away the 
fruits of nut-bearing trees. This is an undisputed fact, as different species 
of acorns have been seen securely wedged in between the bark and outer 
