BRITISH SONG-BIRDS. 83 



Sang. 



The natural notes of the woodlark are really 

 charming, and full of melody : they are rich, ex- 

 pressive, and sweet, particularly when the hen is 

 occupied with incubation; for at that time the 

 cock-bird cheers her incessantly with his song, but, 

 like all other song-birds, he is mute the moment 

 the young are hatched. 



The natural warble of the woodlark seems com- 

 posed of part of the notes of the nightingale's, 

 blackcap's, and skylark's warbles. Though not 

 equal to the two first in mellowness, nor to the 

 last in cheerfulness, yet it is a delightful, ex- 

 pressive, sweet, and varied song. It is a bird of 

 great power and perseverance, and therefore ex- 

 cellent for being put beside young canaries, gold- 

 finches, chaffinches, titlarks, &c. 



