94 



THE WOOD LARK. 



This bird bears some resemblance to the Sky 

 Lark, but it is smaller in size. It is said to be 

 superior in the melody and rich tone of its song 

 to the other, but inferior in variety and compass 

 of voice. Of this we cannot speak from expe- 

 rience, as we have never heard one, or seen a 

 specimen. In Scotland it is scarcely ever seen : 

 indeed, in England, it is only found at times in 

 some particular counties, and lately some few 

 have been seen in Ireland. In Britain it is a 

 very rare bird, but it is found in greater numbers 

 on the Continent ; and as it may yet be brought 

 here we will tell all we can learn about it. In 

 its habits it differs; it is what is called arbo- 

 real. It perches upon trees, on which it will sit 

 and sing ; also, it sings on the wing, like the 

 other, but it does not rise perpendicular, but sails 

 round in circles, and when it attains to a great 

 height, it will remain stationary and sing, it is 

 said, for hours together, in the same manner as 

 when perched on a tree. 



FOOD. The same as the Sky Lark, and like- 

 wise the cage. 



