128 BRITISH BIRDS 



it, within measurable distance, as may readily be understood 

 when we read that 78,000 were despatched in one month 

 from a single county to Leadenhall Market ! 



In connection with the foregoing sad fact, it was signi- 

 ficant to notice that there were but four entries in the 

 class for Larks at the last Exhibition of Canaries and 

 Cage-birds, held at the Crystal Palace, and a reporter was 

 justified in asking : 



"What has become of the Larks? Only four! Have all 

 the rest been eaten?" 



Let us hope public opinion will be stirred to move in 

 the matter, and send to Coventry the fashionable devourers 

 of the only bird that "sings at Heaven's gate": the 

 aviarists are guiltless in the matter, for their demands on 

 the species are but as a drop to the ocean in comparison 

 with the demands of the customers of the Leadenhall 

 poultrymen. 



The Woodlark. 



About one-third smaller than the Skylark, to which it 

 bears considerable resemblance ; but it has a less conspicuous 

 crest, and the hind toe and nail are much shorter, so that 

 it is able to perch, though, as a rule, it prefers not to do so. 



The sexes are very much alike in appearance, but the 

 female is lighter in ground colour and more spotted than 

 the male. She sometimes sings a httle. 



Coarse or sharp sand in the cage makes the feet sore, 

 especially if the evacuations are allowed to accumulate : 

 dry garden mould is better than sand, and care must be 

 taken that it does not get wet. 



The Woodlark feeds, like the Skylark, on germinating 

 seeds and on insects, and may be kept for ten or twelve 

 years in the house if treated as recommended for its 

 congener. 



THE LAUGHING GULL. See under Gulls. 



