ORDER PASSERES. 55 



which causes them to be objects of research ; but it is far 

 inferior to that of the becafico. 



These birds, which do not avoid man, but rather seem to 

 take a pleasure in his society, cannot, nevertheless, support a 

 state of slavery. They die as soon as they are shut up, 

 but in a large enclosure, they will soon familiarize them- 

 selves, and afford some amusement by their activity and 

 dexterity, in seizing flies and other insects. They will not 

 live in a state of captivity, even when taken from the nest, 

 more than three or four years. 



This species is spread through Europe. They fix their 

 nests in meadows, and sometimes at the edge of the water 

 under the root of a tree. It is composed of dry herbs and 

 moss without, feathers in abundance; horse-hair and wool 

 inside. Six or eight rounded eggs compose the brood, of a 

 dirty white, shaded with green olive, clear brown, and flesh- 

 colour. The male partakes with the female the construction 

 of the nest, and the hatching of the young. 



The Pipits, or Field Larks, have been separated from the 

 larks by M. M. Bechstein and Meyer, and formed into a 

 peculiar genus, under the name of Anthus. Their habits 

 have much analogy with those of the larks proper, though 

 they dificr in certain details of conformation. Like the larks, 

 they sing in flying, and elevate themselves to a certain 

 height in the air. They seek their nutriment, nestle, and 

 sleep on the ground. Some frequent cultivated fields and 

 meadows ; others delight, during the summer season, in the 

 borders of woods, in glades, in furze, and brushwood, thinly 

 scattered ; many prefer mountains, steep shores, rocks, and 

 maritime pastures. Some few, in fine, inhabit, during sum- 

 mer, the little hills in sandy and stony situations, and 

 during the after season, sojourn on the banks of rivers, and 

 seek their food upon the strand. A very small number have 

 the power of perching constantly upon trees. There is con- 

 siderable trouble in distinguishing them specifically. 



