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standing the large number of specific 

 forma, the structure is of a remarkably 

 uniform type, and the group is more 

 homogeneous than any other similar 

 division of the bird family. Several 

 subdivisions have been made on largely 

 arbitrary grounds, but no tv70 system- 

 atists agree. 



We follow Dr. F, H. Knowlton in 

 grouping the species which seem to 

 show closest affiliation into families, 

 with a synopsis of the characteristic 

 features of each. 



Family, Alaudldae, tbe Larks. 



Larks have the tarsus blunt behind 

 instead of sharp as in most of the birds 

 of this order. The rear of the tarsus 

 is scuttellated much like the front. The 

 hind claw is very long. The wings are 

 pointed, with ten primaries, though the 

 first is very short, and often practically 

 obsolete. The edges of both mandibles 

 are smooth except for a notch in the 

 upper one. The head is often crested. 



Thei'e are 115 species of Larks, all 

 except four belonging to the old world, 

 where they are most abundant in the 

 Palearctic region. China has ten 

 species of which only one reaches the 

 Yangtse Valley. 



THE SKYLAEK. 



ALAUDA ARVENSIS, L. 



Description. — Length seven and one 

 half inches. Bill dark brown above, 

 paler below. Feet pale brown. Iris 

 dark brown. 



There is a rudimentary crest ; a long 

 straight hind claw ; and feathers at 

 the base of the bill are bristly. 



