240 OUR NATIVE SONGSTERS. 



In tlie spring we do not hear it so clearly, for 

 amid the general chorus of birds, the delicate song 

 is scarcely remarkable; but in the silence of the 

 night, when night itself hardly brings coolness to 

 the air, the sweet carol of the wood-lark on liigh 

 may be listened to with delight ; and many think 

 it little inferior to that of the nightingale. Pity 

 it is, that this sweet wild song should ever be ex- 

 changed for the tones uttered in captivity; yet 

 tlie wood-lark is sometimes caged. AVhen wild, it 

 sings usually from March to July, though, as has 

 been before said, it is occasionally to be heard, not 

 only in the autumnal months, but even in winter. 

 When kept in-doors, however, it sings regularly 

 from February to August; and the female, as is 

 the case with other larks, sings also, though hers 

 is a shorter strain. '* These birds," says Bechstein, 

 "appear to be subject to caprice. I have seen 

 some which would never sing in a room, or in the 

 presence of an auditor. These perverse birds 

 must be placed in a long cage, outside the window. 

 I have remarked that these obstinate birds are 

 the best singers. Their abrupt step, and various 

 frolics, in which they raise the feathei's of the 

 head and neck, arc very amusing." 



