THE SKY-LARK. 235 



in numbers by poles. Owing to tlie improvident 

 destruction of so many of these birds for the table, 

 sky-larks are much less numerous in that country 

 than they once were. 



When winter is over, the large companies of 

 larks arc separated, and they go forth in pairs to 

 select a yjlace for the nest. This is usually built 

 by the end of April, or beginning of May. The 

 first brood is ready for flight by the end of June, 

 and the second is fledged by August. 



The lark will sing and become familiar in cap* 

 tivity, and will live thus caged for nine or ten 

 years; though surely, when it looks up through its 

 prison bars to that broad blue expanse into which 

 its instinct directs it to soar, regrets and longings 

 must come to the heart of the bird, which render 

 its green cage with its bright white ceiling hateful 

 to it, and the daisied turf at its feet little better 

 than a mockery. 



The sky-lark is well known to be much attached 

 to its young. The male bird, during the time 

 that his companion is sitting, is changed from 

 a timid to a bold creature; and though, under 

 ordinary circumstances, easily driven from any 

 spot, will now fight with much determination the 



