Mloioi>i)c.tli(rs. 
I 
The Ficidcc, or Woodpeckers, are a very remarkable 
and numerous family. They are appointed to search 
for and subsist upon those insects or grubs which un- 
dermine the bark of trees, or bore into the sapless 
wood of sucli as are in a state of decay or liave 
already ceased to derive nutriment from the ground. 
A remarkable peculiarity, of character is given to 
these birds, to enable them to procure their appro- 
priate food, which is secure against the attacks of 
every other bird or animal. The healthy tree has 
but little attraction for them, it is tlie aged, death- 
stricken tree that is the province of the AVoodpecker. 
Here the insect tribes find ample room, within the 
interstices and chinks of the dried wood and bqrk, to 
spread and midtiply their race, and perforate with 
their tiny jaws the solid trunk of the largest tree ; 
and here it is that the birds of this family exert 
their peculiar powers and labour for their food. 
In order that they may be enabled to procure these 
insects, it is evident that some extraordinary means 
must be resorted to. They have to climb the vertical 
trunk ; to cling to tlie bark with a firm hold, wliilst 
they are engaged hammering with their hard bill 
against the bark or wood, until they have disturbed 
