74 WILD LIFE AT HOME. 



where he was gave him something to eat, and 

 then proceeded to feed the rest of her children. I 

 crawled out and brought the little wanderer back, 

 and then returned to my hiding-place. When the 

 mother came back again she alighted where her 

 venturesome chick had hopped to, and after 



SKYLAKK, 



looking round and calling in vain she advanced to 

 the nest. The next time she arrived Avith a 

 supply of food she did not trouble to look for her 

 wandering one, but flew straight to her nest. She 

 did not appear to receive the slightest assistance 

 from her mate, although I must say he sang 

 very blithely over our heads on several occasions 

 during the afternoon. One curious thing I noticed 

 among the young larks was that whilst their 

 parent was absent searching for food they were 

 constantly stretching themselves and gaping. We 



