194 FINCHES. 



A remarkable group known as the Snow Buntings [^Plectrophaiies) are only 

 found in the temperate parts of Europe and America during the winter sea- 

 son ; as the spring advances, they retire to high northern latitudes for the 

 purpose of incubation, but reappear in the milder climates on the return of 

 winter. They frequent open mountainous districts in flocks; but should the 

 winter prove severe, they seek the low country, and may even be seen on the 

 sea-shore. Thev run quickly and easily upon the ground, where they search 

 for their food, which consists of various kinds of seeds, alpine fruits, and insects. 

 Their nests are built in the fissures of rocks, or upon hillocks among moss and 

 grass, of which last material they are principally constructed. 



Sub-Family VI. 

 THE LARKS. ALAUDIX.E. 



General Characteristics. — Bill short, and more or less lengthened and conical; 

 the wings with the tertials generally as long as the primaries ; the claws lengthened, 

 more or less curved, and the hind one very long and generally straight. 



The birds composing tliis sub-family are peculiar to the Old 

 World. They are generally found in open arable land, or on 

 plains, though some seem to prefer cultivated ground. As the 

 winter approaches they migrate southwards, congregating in 

 flocks. Soine of the species sing while rising into the air, mount- 

 ing to an immense height. Their flight is undulating, and they 

 walk and run on the ground with ease. They delight to roll in 

 the dust. Grain and various seeds form their principal food, but 

 in summer they procure grasshoppers, gnats, and small worms. 

 Their nests are of very simple construction, and placed upon the 

 ground. 



The type of the race is — 



The Skylark {Alauda arvetish), the musician of the fields. Its delightful 

 song, like a hymn of joy, announces the approaching spring and accompanies 

 the earliest blush of morning. It is heard from the very commencement of 



migratory. When they first arrive in France they are far from fat; but human inge- 

 nuity soon makes tliem in good condition. They are taken in great numbers with nets, 

 and fattened by shutting them in a dark chamber, in which is placed a lantern sur- 

 rounded plentifully with oats and millet. The darkness seems to have the effect of con- 

 fining the whole attention of the bird to its favourite food, thus placed within view ; 

 and it is said that they will die of suffocation from their own fat, if left entirely to 

 themselves. Another mode is by confining them in cages which admit a little light only 

 to the box containing their food. When thus fattened, the ortolan is said to be one of 

 the most exquisite morsels in the epicure's carte du jour. 



