56 THE SMALLER BRITISH BIRDS. 



and shot in great numbers. In this country, in winter, when they 

 congregate in flocks, Lark shooting is a favourite amusement; there 

 is no doubt that Lark pie is very nice, and half a dozen of the birds 

 roasted might tempt an invalid to eat; but after all they are very 

 unsubstantial fare, and had better be left to sing and enjoy them- 

 selves as best they can. Even in mid winter they may sometimes be 

 heard caroling away like a contented and pious spirit in adversity; 

 and very early in spring, as soon as a gleam of sunshine breaks out, 

 up goes the Lark, with its song of thanks. Have our readers ever 

 noticed what a spiral kind of ascent the bird makes, especially in 

 windy weather, when it has to struggle against the current of air; it 

 goes up cork-screw fashion, with frequent "libration and weighing of 

 its wing/' as Jeremy Taylor describes it. 



The American author, Washington Irving, says, " Of all birds I 

 should like to be a Lark. He revels in the brightest time of the day, 

 in the happiest season of the year, among fresh meadows and opening 

 flowers; and when he has sated himself with the sweetness of earth, 

 he wings his flight up to heaven, as if he would drink in the melody 

 of the morning stars. Hark to that note! How it comes thrilling 

 down upon the ear ! What a strain of music, note falling over note 

 in delicious cadence. Who would trouble his head about operas and 

 concerts when he could walk in the fields and hear such music for 

 nothing? There are homilies in nature's works worth all the wisdom 

 of the schools, if one could but read thetn rightly; and one of the 

 most pleasant lessons I ever received in a time of trouble was from 

 hearing the note of a Lark." 



The influence which the song of this bird has on the mind of the 

 listener, how it calls up recollections of early days, of the scenes, and 

 friends, and simple pleasures of youth, is beautifully illustrated in that 

 true story of the Lark that was taken to Australia, where there are 

 no singing birds, be it remembered, and hung in its cage outside the 

 store, to which the gold-diggers and other rough men resorted for 

 the supply of their wants; and as soon as it began to sing, the rude 

 laugh was stopped, and the oath left half uttered, and a listening silence 

 fell upon all about, while tears were seen stealing down rugged, sun- 

 browned cheeks, and heads were bowed as if in unwonted prayer. As 

 soon as it was known that an English Sky Lark was to be heard at 

 that spot, people came from far and near to listen to it, and the littlo 

 feathered preacher uttered a sermon that touched hearts so hardened 

 with crime and indulgence of all bad passions that it seemed nothing 

 would ever make them feel again. But feel they did ; they called the 

 Lark their parson, and they came again and again to listen to his 



