The Lark.'] OF ORKNEY. 67 



The patient dam assiduous sits, 



Not to be tempted from her tender task, 



Or by sharp hunger, or by smooth delight, 



Tho' the whole loosen'd spring round her blows. 



Her sympathizing lover takes his stand 



High on the opponent bank, and ceaseless sings 



The tedious time away ; or else supplies 



Her place a moment, while she sudden flits 



To pick the scanty meal. 



Species 2. The Tit-Lark. 



Wil. Orn. 206. Rail Syn. Av. 69. Alauda Pratensis, Lin. Sys. 287. Brit. 

 Zool 237. Sib. Scot. 17. Ore. Tiling. 



THE Tit-Lark is common; in summer withdraws to build 

 in the hills and fields, but in winter comes down to the sea- 

 side, where it feeds on insects, such as sea-lice, &c. ; sometimes 

 approaches the very doors, as if to demand help from man, 

 the engrosser of every thing, in that rigorous season. 



In spring it has a fine but uniform note, at least not near 

 so much variety as in that of the other larks. Then it retires 

 from the sea, and may be seen very common in the valleys 

 of the hills of Hoy, &c. where it builds a nest in the burn 

 banks, among the grass, of the same materials as others of 

 the genus. 



This species is much less, and more slender than the com- 

 mon lark ; the bill smaller and longer in proportion ; the whole 

 upper side is of a dusky-green, in some birds blacker than 



