BRITISH SONG-BIRDS. 81 



respect, as we before stated, they must be managed 

 in the same manner as skylarks. 



The woodlark sings about nine months in the 

 year ; nay, it is sometimes even heard in January 

 if the sun shines. They will learn the notes of 

 the nightingale, and blend them with their oAvn ; 

 and a bird thus bred will sell at a high price. 



They are caught, like the skylarks, wdth hawk 

 and nets, and sometimes with trap-cages. When 

 taken, tie their rnngs, and put the bii'ds in a dark 

 place, and forbear feeding them for some time. 

 They are fed with nightingale's food, a few ants 

 and some meal-worms being first put amongst the 

 gravel on the bottom of the cage, and on or near 

 their food, to tempt them to eat. When tamed, 

 they require nothing but care, to be kept clean and 

 dry, and fresh food and water given them every 

 day. To each bird give about a dessert spoon- 

 ful of the bread, eggs, and minced flesh-meat, 

 mixed with bruised hemp, rape, and maw-seed, 

 or the seed may be given on a separate dish, let- 

 ting them choose for themselves. The best birds 

 are taken in September, and before they pair 

 in spring ; — ^branchers may be caught in June or 

 July. 



The male and female are very like each other; 

 d2 



