SWALLOWS. 503 
natural curiosity of the species, which leads it irresistibly towards any 
reflected light. The slaughterer places a glass, or any object that 
will reflect the sun’s rays, in a field, concealing himself in its neighb- 
bourhood. ‘The Larks, attracted by the light, come within reach “of 
the destroyer, and fall around the mirror, undismayed by the fate of 
companions. 
In this family the only species which lives in confinement is the 
Skylark (AZauda arvensis, Fig. 219), and that only by very great care. 
It sings unceasingly in a cage, and even imitates the song of other 
birds. Larks are found all over the Old World, especially in Europe 
Fig. 219. - The Skylark. 
and Asia. The principal species is that just mentioned, the Crested 
Lark (A/auda créstata), the Wood Lark (A/auda arborea), and the Shore 
Lark (4lauda alpestris). 
The Pencilled Lark (Ofocor’’s pencillatus) is a beautiful and but 
lately discovered species. It is a native of Persia, and its habits are 
but little known. 
FISSIROSTRES. 
The fésstrostral Passerine are characterised by a broad, short 
bill, flattened horizontally and slightly hooked ; mandibles slightly 
concave; mouth very wide. They are essentially insectivorous. 
They comprehend three genera:—1. Swallows (zrundo). 2. House 
Martins (Chefidon). 3. Sand Martins (Coty/e). 
The Swallows are recognisable by their long pointed wings, forked 
