266 NATUBAL HISTOKY OF THE WATEK-HEN. 



preference to a clayey one ; they also are observed to 

 build so that every part of the nest is equally raised. 

 The edges are thatched, and slope a little outwards. 

 The lark is constant in our islands, migrating, however, 

 from one part of the country to another. It lays four 

 or five eggs, of different sizes, according to its variety, 

 of a dusky hue. Its general tints are reddish brown, 

 and in some more lively than in others, so as to be 

 almost red. On the crown of the head it bears a tuft 

 of feathers which distinguishes it from birds of its 

 class ; these it erects at will. It deposits its eggs in 

 May, although they have been seen even as late as 

 September. Dr. Latham mentions that larks are an 

 article of great importance in some of the continental 

 countries, " the duty paid at Leipsic for larks 

 amounts to twelve thousand crowns per annum, at a 

 grosch, or twopence-halfpenny, for every sixty larks." 

 It is when the song of the bird leaves it that it 

 assembles in flocks, and becomes the prey of the bird 

 catchers. The lark is a bird of passage in some 

 countries, chiefly the cold ones ; and thousands fall by 

 the way in the migrations, chiefly by the net of the 

 fowler. 



Water-hen, or Moor hen, or common Gallinule of 

 British authors (Gallinul chloropus). This aquatic 

 bird is the link between the crake family and that of 

 the coots. As their wings are little formed for flight, 

 so the strong, naked legs, large feet, and long toes, 

 seem to render land and water their chief elements. 

 Indeed this species swim and dive with equal facility ; 



