FRINGILLID^S. 103 



eggs, four or five in number, are pale wood-brown, marked 

 with blotches of grey and dark-brown. 



THE SHORT-TOED LARK. Alauda IracJiydactyla. In 

 October 1841, an example of this species was caught in a 

 net, near Shrewsbury, as recorded by Mr. Yarrell. " This 

 species," observes that gentleman, "having some resem- 

 blance to our Woodlark, is yet immediately to be distin- 

 guished from it by its stouter beak, its nearly plain un- 

 spotted breast, and its very short hind toes and claws, from 

 which latter peculiarities it has received its name. I am 

 not aware that any other example of this species has been 

 obtained in this country. ... It makes its nest on the 

 ground, and lays four or five eggs of dull-yellow or pale 

 coffee-colour without any spots." 



THE SHORE LARK. Alauda alpestris. This, which is 

 reputed to be a sweet song-bird, is only an occasional visitor 

 to this country. Mr. Audubon found these birds breeding 

 on the coasts and islands of Labrador. The nest is placed 

 on the moss-covered ground, and this writer says, " is dis- 

 posed with so much care, while the moss so much resem- 

 bles the bird in hue, that unless you almost tread upon her 

 as she sits, she seems to feel secure, and remains unmoved. 

 It is imbedded in the moss to its edges, which are composed 



