THE SKYLAEK. 



Alatida arvensis. 

 Alauda vulgaris. 



LTHOUGH of very modest and 

 unpretending appearance, the 

 Skylark occupies a prominent 

 position amongst our British 

 birds. The peculiar beauty of 

 its song has long since won for 

 it a thoroughly deserved popu- 

 larity, and its cheery voice is 

 ever welcome, whether uttered 

 high amongst the morning 

 clouds, or poured forth from 

 some humble cage in the street 

 or alley of the crowded city. 

 The song of the Skylark seems 

 completely identified with our 

 ideas of the country, both in 

 the early morn and at dewy 

 eve, and it is not in the least 

 surprising that poets of every 

 grade of merit should have 

 made it the subject of their 

 compositions, and sung its 

 praises in their most graceful 

 lines. 



