1 1 4 Bird-keeping. 



male and female, though naturally shy and timid, are 

 very bold and fearless during the nesting season, and 

 wilt attack any bird that approaches their nest : their 

 peculiar mode of rising from their nest helps to con- 

 ceal it. Their legs are very long, and the strong toes 

 are de-tached throughout, so that they can walk among 

 rank grass, and can spring clear of it, leaping upwards 

 of two feet into the air before they put their wings 

 in motion. Their spiral flight, and their joyous song 

 as they ascend into the sky, are too well known to 

 need record here. 



The WOODLARK (Alauda arborea). The Wood- 

 lark's song is very much prized, and ranked by many 

 amateurs next to the Nightingale's ; he sings far into 

 the night. This bird is more easily tamed than the 

 Skylark, and appears more happy in captivity. He 

 is of an affectionate disposition, and if pains are taken 

 to gain his affection, he will become much attached to 

 his owner ; but he is a delicate bird, and dainty in his 

 appetite, and requires variety in his food. Most of 

 the Woodlarks perch, therefore he must have a square 

 perch put into his cage ; but if he does not use it, it 

 should be taken away. A cage similar to that of the 

 Skylark should be provided for him, long enough to 

 allow of his running backwards and forwards. He 

 must have a fresh-cut turf, if possible of clover, three 

 or four times a week, and plenty of gravel and chalk. 

 His legs are as brittle as glass, and if he gets his feet 



