74 HOMES WITHOUT HANDS. 



in width through a lath-and-plaster partition. Even the small 

 Downy Woodpecker is able to bore its way through solid wood, 

 and to make a most ingenious nest, the burrow sloping for some 

 six or eight inches, and then being driven perpendicularly down 

 the tree. The bird takes care to make the sloping tunnel only 

 just large enough to admit the passage of its body ; but the per- 

 pendicular hole, in which it resides, is quite large and roomy, so 

 as to deserve the name of a chamber. When first made, the hole 

 through which the bird enters its nest is as truly circular as if 

 cut by a centre-bit ; but it loses the sharpness of its outline after 

 it has been in use for any length of time. Both the male and 

 female Woodpecker work at this task of excavation, labouring 

 alternately, relieving each other in regular rotation, and pecking 

 continually until the burrow is finished, even though they should 

 occupy several days in completing their home. They are so 

 intent upon their labour, that they work aU day and far into the 

 evening, hammering away like carpenters at the bench. 



The nest is not unfrequently stormed and seized by an usurper, 

 diminutive in size, but unconquerable in spirit. This is the 

 common house-wren, which is fond of building in holes and 

 crannies, and is by no means particular as to its domicile. Kind- 

 hearted persons are in the habit of nailing boxes to poles in 

 their gardens for the use of this little bird, which is sure to take 

 immediate possession, and to repay them for their benevolence 

 by ridding their plants of noxious insects. Empty cocoa-nuts, 

 gourds, earthen pots, and similar objects, are eagerly appropriated 

 by the -wren ; and, in default of better premises, it will build in 

 old hats, or in the sleeves of coats that have been hanging undi.s- 

 turbed on their pegs. 



The burrow of tlie Woodpecker is far too comfortable a dwelling 

 to be neglected by the wren, who allows the Woodpecker to pro- 

 ceed with its labours until he thinks that the hole is large enough 

 for his purpose, and then assaults the unfortunate burrowers, 

 driving them off to seek another and a less disturbed locality. 

 In one case, a pair of Woodpeckers began to make their tunnel 

 in an apple-tree, and were driven from the spot by the house- 

 wren. They then pitched upon a pear-tree, completed their 

 bun-ow, and had laid one egg, when they were again attacked 

 by the fiery little bird, and obliged to abandon the locality 

 ultogothei. 



