112 
of a vermilion, (in some specimens this 
mark is wholly wanting,) and the whole 
plu nage has a tinge of brown. This bird, 
like the rest of the genus, prefers trees 
that are somewhat decayed, for its pur- 
poses of nidification; but from its superior 
size and strength, it is enabled to do 
considerable damage, even to those which 
are sound. It bores, says Buffon, "to 
the heart of the trunk, and forms a very 
capacious cavity; as much as a bushel of 
wood-dust and chips is often seen on the 
ground below its hole; and sometimes it 
hollows out the substance of the trees to 
such a degree, that they are soon borne 
down by the wind/' In the bottom of the 
excavation, the female deposits two or 
three white e^gs. 
The Great Black Woodpecker is found 
in various parts of Europe, particularly in 
the tall forests of Germany. It is also 
found in Siberia and Chili; but does not 
appear to be numerous in any particular 
district, being a solitary and wild bird, 
seldom ranging far from the spot it has 
once chosen. Its mode of taking its prey, 
