SHORE LARK. 443 
of Labrador, in the vicinity of the sea. The face of the 
country appears as if formed of one undulated expanse of 
granite, covered with mosses and lichens, varying in size 
and colour, some green, others as white as snow, and others 
again of every tint, and disposed in large patches or tufts. 
It is on the latter that this Lark places her nest, which is 
disposed with so much care, while the moss so resembles 
the bird in hue, that unless you almost tread upon her as 
she sits, she seems to feel secure, and remains unmoved. 
Should you, however, approach so near, she flutters away, 
feigning lameness so cunningly, that none but one ac- 
customed to the sight can refrain from pursuing her. The 
male immediately joms her in mimic wretchedness, uttering 
a note so soft and plaintive, that it requires a strong 
stimulus to force the naturalist to rob the poor birds of their 
treasure.” 
“The nest around is imbedded m the moss to its edges, 
which is composed of fine grasses, circularly disposed, and 
forming a bed about two inches thick, with a lining of 
Grouse feathers, and those of other birds. In the beginning 
of July the eggs are deposited. They are four or five in 
number, large, greyish, and covered with numerous pale 
blue and brown spots. The young leave the nest before 
they are able to fly, and follow their parents over the moss, 
where they are fed about a week. They run nimbly, emit 
a soft peep, and squat closely at the first appearance of 
danger. If observed and pursued, they open their wings to 
aid them in their escape, and, separating, make off with 
great celerity. On such occasions it is difficult to secure 
more than one of them, unless several persons be present, 
when each can pursue a bird. The parents all this time are 
followmg the enemy overhead, lamenting the danger te 
which their young are exposed. In several instances, the 
