160 -RURAL BIRD LIFE. 



seldom or never rise until closely approached. Seldom 

 indeed, if ever, will the observer notice the Lark perch on 

 a tree or hedgerow. I have seen them alight on trees, 

 but only in one or two isolated instances. But this, 

 however, shows us that though the Skylark is terrestrial 

 in its habits, its feet are capable of firmly grasping a 

 bough or twig, notwithstanding the surprising length of 

 the hind claw a peculiarity, by the way, common to but 

 few birds. I have reason to doubt that the Woodlark, 

 and even the Tree Pipit, are often set down as Skylarks, 

 and looked at with surprise when seen to alight other- 

 wise than on the ground. 



The Larks roost on the ground, but seldom close to- 

 gether, and will continue to use certain grounds for the 

 purpose despite the presence of man. Indeed, so attached 

 is the Lark to its favourite haunts, that it can seldom be 

 driven away. If fired at it merely rises, and after wheel- 

 ing round in the air again alights, or if driven away at 

 nightfall, it is sure to be on its favourite lands the follow- 

 ing day. The food of the Lark is varied : in spring and 

 summer, insects and their larvae, and worms and slugs 

 are preyed upon ; in autumn and winter, seeds form their 

 chief support, very often of the most troublesome weeds, 

 which if left would cause the smiling pastures to become 

 nothing but useless and weed-choked wastes. The newly 

 sown corn lands are also visited, and sometimes in early 

 spring you see them on the fallows in company with the 

 Wagtails. When the ground lies deep in snow the Sky- 

 lark has often to wander in search of food, but always 

 unerringly returns to its former haunts at the approach 

 of milder weather. 



The Skylark is held in high repute by the bird 

 fancier, but to me his notes in confinement sound as a 

 mockery of Nature. To cage a bird of the Skylark's 



