136 INSESSORES. 



" But tho natural instinct of this bird is even more 

 remarkable in the choice of the nuts, which are in- 

 variably found to be sound, whereas it is an utter 

 impossibility, in selecting them for roasting, to pick 

 up a batch that will not have a large portion of them 

 unfit for use, the most smooth and polished frequently 

 containing a large grub generated within. Even the 

 wily Digger Indian, with all his craft and experience, 

 is unable to arrive at anything like an unerring selec- 

 tion, while in a large bagful that we took from the 

 bark of our log, there was not one containing the 

 slightest germ of decay." 



This Woodpecker appears to be very abundant, 

 occupying a corresponding position with the well- 

 known Red-headed species so common to the east- 

 ward. They also somewhat resemble each other in 

 their plumage, the preponderating colors in both be- 

 ing black, white, and crimson. 



The Ivory-billed Woodpecker is the largest species 

 found within our territory, measuring twenty-one 

 inches in length. It is an inhabitant of the Southern 

 and Western States, and notwithstanding its some- 

 what awkward look, is certainly a noble and majestic 

 bird. Spurning the low occupation of seeking his 

 food among stunted trees and bushes, or upon pros- 

 trate logs and fence-rails, he leaves this humble game 

 to the smaller fry of his tribe, and spreads his ample 

 wings among the tall cypress and pines which cover 

 vast areas of swampy ground in the Southern States. 

 Here, amidst the security of these almost inaccessi- 

 ble forests, he regales himself upon the myriads of 



