THE WOODLARK. 183 



in liqiiidness of tone, and is thought to resemble the syllables 

 " lulu,'^ by which name the bird is known in France. 

 When soaring it may be distinguished from the Skylark 

 not only by its song, but by its ascending in circles, which 

 it describes, poets tell us, and perhaps correctly, with its 

 nest for a centre. Sometimes, especially during sunshine 

 after a summer shower, it alights on the summit of a lofty 

 tree, to "unthread its chaplet of musical pearls," and its 

 sunpler lulu notes may be heard as it flies from place to 

 place while but a few feet above the surface of the ground. 

 In autumn, Woodlarks assemble in small sociable parties 

 (but not in large flocks), and keep together during the 

 winter. Early in spring these societies are broken up 

 into pairs, and the business of the season commences. 

 The nest is composed of bents and a little moss, and is 

 lined with finer grass, and, though built on the ground, is 

 generally concealed with more art than that of the Skylark, 

 the birds availing themselves of the shelter afforded by a 

 bush or tuft of grass. 



THE CEESTED LAPdv, 



ALAUDA CEISTATA. 



Feathers of the crown black, edged with reddish brown and elongated into a 

 crest ; upper parts reddish b^o^vn, with narrow dark streaks ; over the eye a 

 yellowish white streak ; under parts dull yellowish white, with dusky streaks. 

 Length six inches and three-quarters. Eggs greyish white, spotted with dark 

 brown. 



The Crested Lark, a rare visitor in Britain, is not uncom- 

 mon in many parts of the Continent, where it principally 

 frequents the high roads, quarries, and the uncultivated 

 country. It is often seen perched on walls and the roofs 

 of low cottages, and its song is said to be very sweet. Its 

 nest and eggs resemble those of the Skylark. 



