I 



SKY LARK. 63 



little bruised hemp, and maw-seed ; they 



should be plentifully supplied with fresh 

 water and gravel. 



SKY LARK. 



{Alauda Arvensis^ LiNif.) 



This beautiful and celestial songster, a 

 native of Europe, is sometimes introduced 

 in a state of captivity into this country ; it 

 sings well when kept in cages, which should 

 be at least eighteen inches long, nine inches 

 wide, and . fifteen inches high, the bottom 

 should be well covered with gravel, or sand, 

 for this scratching bird to be able to roll and 

 dust itself conveniently, a piece of green sod 

 should be constantly kept for them to stand 

 upon, as they never perch like other birds. 

 The top of the cage must be of linen, since, 

 from its tendency to rise for flight, it would 

 run the risk of wounding its head against a 

 covering of wood, or iron wire, especially 

 before it is well tamed. 



Food. — Maw, or poppy seed, bruised 

 hemp, crumb of bread, and plenty of greens, 

 as lettuce, endive, cabbage, or water-cress, 

 according to the season, must be added; a 

 little lean meat and ants' eggs, are favorite 

 delicacies, which make it gay and more in- 

 clined to sing. During moulting the follow- 

 ing paste may be given : Grate a carrot fine, 

 soak some bread in water, press the water 

 out, and put the carrot and bread together 



