190 AUDUBON THE NATURALIST. 



continue the migration alone. At this season, 

 the beauty of their plumage, as well as the 

 elegance of their motions, is much increased, 

 their notes flow forth in rapturous intricate har- 

 mony of soul-moving joy, and the grace of every 

 external indication proves the refining, eleva- 

 ting influence of the passion which thrills their 

 breasts. 



A cavity scooped in the ground serves to 

 form their nest. It is lined with the softest ver- 

 durous substances, and matted leaves are placed 

 around to conceal it. The meadow lark displays 

 the utmost solicitude for its young, and an intui- 

 tive benevolence seems to prevail with regard to 

 this tender, loving bird, the farmer, while cutting 

 his hay, always, it is said, respecting the tuft in 

 which its nest is placed, which is seldom de- 

 stroyed by children even. 



Frequenting the vicinity of the sea, the shore 

 lark is found on the high wild tracts of Labrador. 

 Amidst the curious vegetation of this inclement 

 land, where from out gorgeous cliffs clad with 

 dangling snow-drifts furious cataracts pour to- 

 wards the plain, it seeks a home. Amongst the 

 mosses and lichens which, in snowy tufts or tinted 

 embroidery of green, cover the dark granitic- 

 looking expanse of the country, the shore lark 

 places her nest so carefully, as to make it appear 

 a part of the natural vegetation, the similarity 



