170 A LOWLY BUILDER. 



Bechstein describes the song of the Skylark as consisting 

 of several strains, which are all composed of trilling and 

 warbling notes, variously modulated, and occasionally in- 

 terrupted by a powerful whistling. He says that it is a 

 bird, also, of singular capacity ; and not only do the young 

 learn the notes of other birds which hang near them, 

 but the adult birds also ; although we think, as among men, 

 their memories vary in power, as do their vocal abilities, 

 In confinement some begin to sing as early as December, 

 and continue until moulting time. Others, less able, only 

 begin in March, and finish singing as early as August. 

 When wild they usually become silent about St. James's 

 day, although exceptions occur, and Larks are sometimes 

 heard at Michaelmas. 



At the beginning of March in this country, or earlier if 

 the season be fine, and until the flocks of Larks break up, 

 will the birds pair ; and now commences that thrilling and 

 exhilarating strain in which we all delight. Now, as Car- 

 rington describes it : 



Light from the sod, the Lark exulting springs, 

 Joy tunes his voice and animates his wings ; 

 Bird of the blushing dawn, to him are given, 

 Earth's choicest verdure and the midway heaven. 

 Hark ! the glad strains that charm our wondering ears, 

 As upward still the minstrel fearless steers, 

 Till, wide careering through the solar stream, 

 A speck he wanders in the morning beam. 



The nest of the Skylark is always placed on the ground, 

 in a hollow scraped out for the purpose. It will generally 

 be found among corn, or grass left for hay, or in an open 

 pasture, where the herbage is rank. It is loosely formed 

 of withered grass, and lined with finer vegetable fibres. 

 The eggs, four or five in number, vary considerably, both 

 in size and colour ; but they are most usually greenish 

 grey, freckled with greyish brown, and about ten twelfths 

 of an inch in length. Two broods, and sometimes three, 

 are reared in a season. Grahame's description of the nest 

 of this bird has often been quoted, but it will bear repe- 

 tition : 



