202 CLASS AVES. 



on the arrangement of synonimes, and sheltering his own 

 dulness and ignorance under " words of learned length and 

 thundering sound." 



The larks which remain during the whole season in our 

 climates retire, during considerable cold, into sheltered places, 

 to the edge of waters which do not freeze, where they find 

 small worms and insects, on which they feed, when they can 

 no longer find grain for their sustenance. When the weather 

 grows mild, they again spread themselves in the plains. 

 They often disappear suddenly in the spring ; when, after a 

 few mild days, which have induced them to quit their re- 

 treats, there comes on some sharp weather, which obliges 

 them to retire again, until the temperature becomes less rigorous. 



The common lark is found in almost all the inhabited 

 countries of the ancient continent, but is supposed not to exist 

 in America. Dr. Latham, indeed, notices that Sloane men- 

 tions having met with one some leagues distant from the 

 American coast, out at sea ; but this will hardly be admitted 

 as a proof. 



Though very fruitful, this species is less numerous in our 

 days than it was formerly. It has been remarked in France, 

 that the quantity of larks has sensibly diminished within 

 forty or fifty years back. WTiether the same observation will 

 hold good in this country, we have not heard. Many causes 

 may concur to this diminution. Increased cold, and abun- 

 dant snow, remaining a long time on the ground, have de- 

 stroyed a prodigious quantity of larks. They have been 

 seen, at such times, to unite in bands, approach the villages, 

 and even take refuge in houses ; and being totally exhausted, 

 and without the power to fly, have suffered themselves to be 

 killed with poles. 



The birds of prey also destroy many of them in summer ; 

 but man (in this case as in others) is the most voracious, the 

 most determined, and, we may add, the most improvident of 



