200 THE LARKS 



and a black line along the outer margin bounded externally with a narrow band 

 of dull brown, [w. P. P.] 



2. Distribution. The ordinary form (A. arvensis arvensis), prevalent in 

 our Isles, is generally distributed throughout Europe, except in the extreme north, 

 where it is absent, while in the south-east, a local race, the Mediterranean form 

 (A. arvensis cantarella), replaces it. In West Asia another form is found 

 (A arvensis cinerea) which has strayed to Scotland in winter on at least one 

 occasion, [r. c. B. J.] 



3. Migration. The skylark is resident as a species practically throughout 

 our area, but is nevertheless a migrant whose movements are of an extraordinarily 

 complicated nature. Our knowledge of them is entirely due to the labours of 

 Mr. Eagle Clarke, who has summarised them as follows, beginning with the 

 autumnal movements : " (1) Autumn Emigration of Summer Visitants, with 

 their offspring, i.e. home-breeding and home-bred birds. (2) Autumn Immigra- 

 tion of Winter Visitants from Central Europe. (3) Autumn Immigration of Winter 

 Visitants from Northern Europe. (4) Autumn Passage from Central to Southern 

 Europe along the British coast. (5) Autumn Passage from Northern to Southern 

 Europe along the British coast. (6) Winter Emigration from, and Partial Migra- 

 tion within, the British Isles. (7) Spring Immigration of Summer Visitants, and 

 return of Winter Emigrants. (8) Spring Emigration to Central Europe from the 

 British Isles. (9) Spring Emigration to Northern Europe from the British Isles. 

 (10) Spring Passage from Southern to Central and Northern Europe along the 

 British coast. But even this is not all, for the movements which take place 

 between Great Britain and Ireland, as well as between Great Britain and the 

 Hebrides and Northern Islands, have also to be considered." It must also 

 be noted " that several of these movements are often simultaneously in 

 progress," and that "the degree to which our native skylarks are migratory 

 depends on the varying conditions of climate and food. In the lowlands of 

 Great Britain, especially in the south-west of England, and throughout Ireland 

 generally, the migratory habit is less exercised. . . . On the other hand, 

 there are considerable tracts which, from their elevated, exposed, or northerly 

 situation, are not suited for winter residence, and to those the skylark is 

 merely a Summer Visitor." For a more detailed discussion of the various move- 

 ments, the reader is referred to the original paper (Report Brit. Assoc., 1901, 

 pp. 365-372). [A. L. T.] 



4. Nest and Eggs. The nest is placed on the ground, in a depression 



