easy to see how this species is less numerous than the others. The eggs are exactly like those of 

 Picus major, and also vary very much in form, some being much elongated, and others very 

 short." 



Eespecting its habits in Sweden, Nilsson says : — " This species prefers the plains to the hill 

 country, and affects deep woods where old rotten pine trees are found. In its habits it resembles 

 the other Spotted Woodpeckers ; and its note is nearly the same as that of Picus major. It is 

 not particularly shy; but amongst high trees it generally keeps to the upper parts. In the 

 summer season it is generally found in pairs, and in families during the autumn and winter." 

 Mr. R. Collett, of Christiania, writes to us that it is annually taken in snares set for Thrushes 

 and baited with berries of Sorbus, remarking at the same time that most of the Woodpeckers eat 

 vegetable matter in the autumn. 



In Dresser's collection is a single egg, received by him from Dr. Baldamus, and said to be of 

 this bird, taken in Switzerland. In size it measures 1-^% by |-jj inch, and is pure glossy white 

 like the egg of the Greater Spotted Woodpecker. 



The descriptions and figures of the adult birds are from two beautiful Swedish specimens, 

 prepared by Mr. Meves, in our own collection. 



In the preparation of the above article we have examined the following specimens : — 



E Mus. Sharpe and Dresser. 



a, b. Sweden (W. Meves). c. Sweden (Moeschler). d. Sweden (A. Benzon). e. Galicia (W. Schliiter). 

 f. Moscow (Dode). 



a. Sweden {Moeschler). 



a, b, c. Sweden (Wheelwright) . 



a, b. Volga (Moeschler). 



a. Russia (Dode). 



a, b. Sweden (Wheelwright). 



E Mus. Howard Saunders. 



E Mus. Lord Lilford. 



E Mus. E. Hargitt. 



E Mus. J. II. Gurney, jun. 



E Mus. Lord Walden. 



43 . 



E Mus. H. B. Tristram, 

 a. Gottland, Sweden, b. Sweden {Wheelwright). 



