76 OUR BRITISH SONG BIRDS. 
tells me that during severe winters he has frequently 
noticed Larks roosting in trees, from which they descend 
in flocks upon the ground. In captivity, also, I have 
repeatedly seen them seated upon perches, and those who 
attempt to introduce a Lark in a limited space in which 
are other small birds will find that it has a habit of reach- 
ing the topmost perch, and by perpetually attempting to 
soar still higher, causes much commotion and sometimes 
danger to its fellow-prisoners. I have never kept a Lark 
in confinement myself, and never intend to do so. Its 
restless habits totally unfit it for such a life, and, to me, it 
always seems almost as much out of place as a Swallow 
would in a like position. Go out and watch the Skylark 
in the fields. See how featly he trips along the meadow, 
not hopping, but moving step by step, now walking slowly 
and with dignity, apparently balancing his body on his legs 
like a Wagtail and jerking his head repeatedly, and now 
running briskly forward like a Corncrake, seldom still for 
two consecutive seconds in one place. Now he is about to 
sing. He rises from the earth, and, on fluttering wings, 
ascends rapidly in a spiral higher and higher, carolling his 
glorious song incessantly, never seeming to take breath, 
until he appears to be hidden in the clouds. Sometimes 
he mounts straight like a rocket in the air, and then, still 
singing, gradually descends. Suddenly he hovers for an 
instant almost motionless, when, closing his wings, he 
plunges down headlong towards the earth. He sweeps for 
a short distance above the ground, and alights upon his 
feet. 
In Winter-time, Skylarks are equally active. The little 
families now unite to form large flocks, or ‘‘ pack” as it is 
called, and, in company, fly about the country seeking food, 
often in their flight performing beautiful evolutions in the 
air. At this time they are harassed by certain Hawks, 
particularly by the Hobby and the Kestel. So terrified is 
