THE SKYLARK. 281 



able to obtain at that inclement season. They often associate 

 with the Snow Buntings, and sometimes make short excur- 

 sions inland. I have seen them on the beach busily search- 

 ing among the seaweed for small shell-fish and animalcules ; 

 and, in country roads, have observed that they visit the drop 

 pings of horses and cattle for the seeds contained in them. 



By the middle of March, the Shore-larks leave New Eng- 

 land for the North, where they breed, and spend the summer. 

 Audubon says, of their breeding habits, — 



" The Shore-lark breeds on the high and desolate tracts of 

 Labrador, in the vicinity of the sea. The face of the country 

 appears as if formed of one unduhited expanse of dark gi-anite, 

 covered with mosses and lichens, varying in size and color ; some 

 green, others as white as snow, and others again of every tint, and 

 disposed in large patches or tufts. It is on the latter that the Lark 

 places her nest, whicli is disposed with so much care, while the moss 

 so resembles the bird in hue, that, unless you almost tread upon her 

 as she sits, she seems to feel secure, and remains unmoved. Should 

 you, however, approach so near, she flutters away, feigning lameness 

 so cunningly that none but one accustomed to the sight can refrain 

 from pursuing her. The male immediately joins her in mimic 

 wretchedness, uttering a note so soft and plaintive that it requires 

 a strong stimulation to force the naturalist to rob the poor birds of 

 their treasure. 



" The nest, which is embedded in the moss to its edges, is com- 

 posed of fine grasses, circularly disposed, and forming a bed about 

 two inches thick, with a lining of grouse-feathers and those of other 

 birds. In the beginning of July, the eggs are deposited. They 

 are four or five in number, large, grayish, and covered with numer- 

 ous pale-blue and brown spots. The young leave the nest be- 

 fore they are able to fly, and follow their parents over the moss, 

 where they are fed about a week. They run nimbly, emit a soft 

 prep, and squat closely at the first appearance of danger. If ob- 

 served and pursued, they open their wings to aid them in their 

 escape, and, separating, make off with great celerity. On such 

 occasions, it is diflicult to secure more than one of them, unless 

 several persons be present, when each can pursue a bird. The 



