BRITISH SONG-BIRDS, T7 



from the nest, his song ceases, he shuts his pinions, 

 and drops like a stone to the earth. In a wild 

 state, larks sing but little on the ground, but al- 

 ways carol when moimting in the air or descend- 

 ing. Should a bird of prey, however, appear, they 

 become instantly mute, and, in this case, they will 

 drop to the earth from a great height. When near 

 the ground they flutter their wings to break the 

 fall, and at the same time take a skimming or slant- 

 ing flight for a few yards, according to cu'cum- 

 stances. This slanting flight is a general practice 

 with them when danger is near their nests. They 

 never descend immediately to the nest, but a good 

 way from it ; they then fly close to the surface 

 of the ground for some yards, and afterwards creep 

 cunningly to it thi'ough the grass. 



