THE SKY-LARK. 



175 



HABITATION. In a wild State, the sky-lark is found almost all over the 

 M'orld, frequenting fields and meadows, and by preference plains. It is a 

 bird of passage which generally arrives in our regions in the beginning of 

 February, and departs in great flights in the month of October *. No bird 

 of passage returns so soon as the lark ; but as it lives not only on insects, 

 but eats all kinds of seeds and even grass, it can seldom be in want of pro- 

 vision even in the severest weather. 



In rooms, it is common to let it hop about, giving it a retired corner to 

 sleep ; it is, however, also kept in cages, where it sings best. Whatever 

 form may be given to these cages, they must be at least eighteen inches 

 long, nine wide, and fifteen high ; the bottom should have a drawer in 

 which enough of river sand should be kept for this scratching bird to 

 be able to roll and dust itself conveniently. It is also a good plan to have 

 in a corner a little square of fresh turf, which is as beneficial as it is agree- 

 able. The top of the cage must be of linen, since, from its tendency to 

 rise for flight, it would run the risk of wounding its head against a covering 

 of wood or iron wire, especially before it is well tamed. The vessels for 

 food and drink must be outside, or, which I prefer, a drawer for the food 

 may be introduced in the side of the cage : sticks are not necessary, as the 

 lark does not perch. When it is allowed to hop free in a room, the latter 



* In Britair. it is partly migratory and partly stationary. TRANSLATOR. 



