THE WOODPECKERS. 
(Pic idee.) 
MMp HESE birds are familiar representatives of the third Linnsean 
p* order Scansores or Climbers, and are well known to any 
one who has lived in a well-wooded district. He must have 
noticed the Green Woodpecker, and heard its laughing cry, 
even if he is not acquainted with the other British mem¬ 
bers of the family. The characteristics of the Woodpeckers 
are strongly marked. The bill is stout and wedge-shaped, with 
a slightly convex back. No more perfect instrument could be 
devised for the work it has to perform upon the bark of trees, 
stripping it off, and penetrating the wood. It is furnished also 
with regular angles, and in one European species is nearly of 
the colour and consistence of ivory. Inside is a tono-ue of 
V remarkable construction. It is worm-like, barbed at the point, 
and capable of being protruded to a great length. These are manifestly most 
necessary qualities to the functions it has to perform in destroying insect life. 
More than this, too, it is lubricated by a glutinous secretion abundantly furnished 
from two large glands situated behind the angles of the lower jaw. It may be 
advantageously compared with the same organ in the humming-birds. The feet 
are unusually strong, the claws broad and hooked, and the toes placed in pairs, 
two behind and two in front. Yet another singular provision is made for its 
