SKYLARKS AND WOODLARKS. 



food should bo given to all Larks, whether they are breeding or not ; as it improves 

 the song, makes them livelier, and keeps them free from diseases. An abundance of 

 gravel and a sod also should be given. The Lark is a bird which never bathes : he 

 dusts himself in the same manner as barnyard fowl, and, when any degree of clean- 

 liness is observed, is remarkably free from insects. He should always have some 

 fine sand in his cage for this purpose : fresh sand should be put in the cage at least 

 once every two days. 



If good song is desired, the Lark should be caged ; as he is more apt to sing at his 

 best than when allowed the freedom of a room : if kept in a room, particular care 

 should be taken as to cleanliness ; as he is sure to get his feet entangled in such 

 substances as hair, string, etc., which would occasion the loss of his claws, or cause 

 lameness and disease in the feet. 



The usual and best cage for the Skylark is peculiar in shape, and specially made 

 for him : it is a cottage-shaped structure, with a semicircular front revolving on a 

 pivot. A piece of cloth is stretched across the top of the cage. The Lark in 

 confinement does not forget his natural desire to soar, and for this reason the cloth 

 is used to prevent his injuring himself. The revolving front should be always fur- 

 nished with a fresh sod, on which the Lark delights to roam, seeming at home, and 

 upon which his best efforts are heard. Perches are not necessary, and should never 

 be put in the cage. 



He will pace from one end of the cage to the other, stretched to his full height, 

 with fluttering wings, pouring forth his song, and seemingly as contented as if roam- 

 i.ig his own native heath. When the weather permits, he should be hung outdoors, 

 as it seems to enliven him ; and, as he is not so susceptible to colds as other cage- 

 birds, this may be freely done without injury to him. A good Skylark probably 

 remains in song longer than any other wild bird known. 



The Woodlark is about three-fourths the size of the Skylark, and bears a striking 

 resemblance to him in color and habits. He is not so hardy a bird as the Skylark, 

 being used to warmer climates. His song, according to some authors, is superior 

 to the Skylark ; and he is oftentimes rated as second to the European Nightingale. 

 The song is very flute-like and melancholy. He is rather shy, and does not like to 

 sing when in company. It is therefore best to always hang him outdoors. 



Woodlarks are not as numerous as Skylarks, and are not so well known ; but, 

 when the song is once heard, they are acknowledged the equals of the more general 

 favorite. The Woodlark perches, contrary to the habit of the Skylark, and sings 

 in confinement only when perched. In his wild state he sings when alm6st out of 

 sight on outstretched wing, oftentimes warbling for an hour in this position. 



His food and treatment are identical with those of the Skylark. The diseases 

 to which Larks are subject are usually the same that affect all soft-bill birds, and 

 the treatment should be the same. They are subject to one special disease of the 

 skin : a part or the whole of the body is puffed up by an accumulation of air be- 

 neath the skin ; this is easily remedied by pricking the skin with a needle to let the 

 air out. 



The square cages suitable for them should measure 8X10 or 9X14, and are 

 usually made of tinned wire and black walnut. 



