THE WOOD-LARK. 63 



note than most other singing-birds ; but his imitative 

 faculties are not very good, for, unless reared from 

 the nest near some other birds, he will not learn their 

 strains. His song is very much prized, and ranked 

 by many amateurs next to the nightingale's : he sings 

 far into the night. This bird is more easily tamed 

 than the sky-lark, and appears more happy in captiv- 

 ity. He is of an affectionate disposition, and, if 

 pains are taken to gain his affection, will become 

 much attached to his owner; but he is a delicate 

 bird, and dainty in appetite, and requires variety in 

 food. Most of the wood-larks perch, therefore he 

 must have a square perch put into his cage ; but, if 

 not used, it should be taken away. He must have a 

 fresh-cut turf, if possible, once a week, and plenty of 

 gravel and chalk. It is very rare that either of 

 the larks will take a bath, much preferring like 

 domestic fowls to dust themselves ; and for this 

 reason sand or gravel must be used very freely, and 

 always kept in the cage to the depth of not less 

 than half an inch. The lark requires what is known 

 as the lark-cage, and will not do well in any other. 

 It is a low-priced cage, and can always be purchased 

 at any bird-store. The food of the sky and wood 

 lark is the same as the American mocking-bird. If 

 the bird is unwell, or becomes loose, grate a little 

 cheese into his food : some licorice in his water will 

 also be of service, as likewise a spider occasionally. 



