ssist in the excavation. The entrance hole is about one and
three-fourths inches in diameter, perfectly circular, and is sometimes
chiseled through two or three inches of solid wood before the softer and
decayed core is reached. The inner cavity is greatly enlarged as it
descends, and varies from eight to twenty-four inches in depth. The eggs
rarely exceed four or five, and are pure white in color.

The most remarkable fact concerning this species is the peculiar manner
in which it stores acorns. The thick bark of large sugar and other pines
has been seen completely riddled with small holes. A section of a partly
decayed oak limb, three feet two inches long and five and one-half
inches in diameter, contained 255 holes. Each hole is intended to hold a
single acorn. The acorns fit quite accurately, are driven in point
foremost, and are not readily extracted. Sweet acorns are selected. To
get at their contents the acorns are carried to a convenient tree where
a limb has been broken off, driven into a suitable crevice, split open,
and the outer hull removed. Truly the California Woodpecker is no idler
or bungler, nor is he a free-booter, like the noisy, roystering Jay. He
makes an honest living, and provides for the evil day which comes alike
to man and beast.

THE PIEDBILL GREBE.

Boys and Girls:

This is the first time I've been on land for several weeks. I am sure
you can't think of any other kind of bird who can say that.

Sometimes I don't go on land for months, but stay in the water all of
the time--eat and sleep there, floating around.

My little chick wanted me to go on land so we could have our pictures
taken.

If he were not sitting so close to me you could see better what paddles
I have for feet.

I build my nest of weeds, grass, sticks, and anything I can find
floating around. I most always fasten it to some reeds or tall grass
that grow up out of the water.

In this I lay the eggs and just as soon as the chicks come out of the
shell they can swim. Of course they can't swim as well as I and they
soon get tired. Do you know how I rest them?

Well, it's very funny, but I just help them up on my back and there they
rest while I swim around and get them food. When they get rested they
slide off into the water.

Are you wondering if I can fly? Well, I can fly a little but not very
well. I can get along very fast swimming, and as I do not go on land
often, why should I care to fly.

Should any