One of the primary objects of the present book has been, and is, to correct the many errors of preceding writers in the department of science of which this our work treats; and to disabuse the public mind of the many false notions that have obtained by the too ready credence given to the statements of those authors whose works have so long been regarded as standard, and whose opinions so implicitly received, that many even now hold it heresy to doubt them. For the benefit of those who have been thus misled, we will first expose the misrepresentations of previous writers, and then give the results of our observations on the character and habits of the Picus. And although we draw but an individual of the genus, yet it is such a beautiful specimen on which to generalize, exhibiting in itself all the better characteristics of its tribe, that all may feel assured, ours is a faithful portrait.

The celebrated wood engraver, author of the “History of British Birds, etc. etc.,” Thomas Bewick, whose opportunities for observing and acquiring a thorough knowledge of the character and habits of this interesting bird were so much greater than all preceding Ornithologists, that we might reasonably have expected from him the most complete history of it, yet so meagre and erroneous is his description, as to lead us to the conclusion that he intentionally cut it, (the bird, not the description) therefore he should not be quoted as authority at all.

Buffon describes its length as “somewhat more than nine inches;” — “somewhat more,” we think also, as the individual we describe extends a fraction over that measurement, being exactly six feet. He further tells us that “the head is wholly crimson;” in the specimen whose portrait is given herewith, it is of a dark brown, and we are sorry to add, shows a seeming tendency towards premature baldness of the crown.

Yarrell states that “this bird is one of the earliest to retire to rest, and reposes in its hole till day.” The Picus Gihonis, however, is not of this habit, being seldom found in its nest, until after most other birds have “shaken up their straw;” nor have we ever known it to comply with that request so frequently made, “go in your hole.”

The Gihonis seldom associates with birds of its own species, except when engaged in the occupation by which its sustenance is procured, and from whence its name of Picus is derived; but from among the feathered race, chooses for companions, birds seemingly of very different character from its own, — but who, in fact, possess qualities in sympathy with it; thus for instance, we frequently see our specimen of the Picus, in company with the Hen, hovering about the roost of the Canvas-Back Duck, and so great is the regard of the “Dux Pictor Woodsideii” for these companions, that when with them, it is seldom or never known to take to the water , or if it does, — there must, as the sagacious Sowers observes, “he something in it.”

We have now to speak of the principle characteristic of the Picus, namely its habit of pecking wood. This operation it performs with the most remarkable dexterity, the perforations it makes being found to assume the most curious and beautiful forms; representing the various productions of nature and art, in such an accurate manner, that of late years the Doctors and scientific men generally, have been at much pains to procure the bits of wood that have passed under its bill, and have applied them to various purposes tending to the advancement of science and the spread of knowledge.

Messrs. Blanchard & Lea, the celebrated Publishers of Philadelphia, have taken much interest in the productions of this bird, and are in possession of a very extensive collection of the wood-blocks wrought by our Picus, which though they value very highly, they generously offer from them to supply the public with impressions, to whatever extent they may be demanded. These gentlemen have frequently and minutely examined the hill of the Picus Gihonis, and assure us, that it is five per cent, less than has been represented.

Yarrell informs us that it labors principally upon the elm and beech; this we presume to be simply an error in orthography, and that heach was intended. As our Picus was known to pay a flying visit to, — and was frequently seen, hopping about Cape May during the present season; and as to its “laboring principally upon the elm,” as Yarrell states, we are satisfied that it has a decided preference for the box wood; this may however be considered its graver occupation, for when thus engaged it has a very sober air, although holding a glass continually under its bill; and when deprived of this its favorite employment, it will pick anything within reach; though we would make exception in favor of pockets and quarrels. By the way, speaking of quarrels, perhaps some of our readers, (should we be lucky enough to have any) may feel disposed to quarrel with us for being so prolix. Therefore we at once cut the cutter.

Ali Baba the Wood-Cutter.