72 THE WOOD LARK. 



few are reared from the nest, owing to 

 the extreme delicacy of their constitution. 



The wood lark is an early breeder ; the 

 young being often able to fly before the end 

 of March ; the female builds on the ground, 

 at the foot of a bush or hedge, or in places 

 where the grass is long and dry, choosing, 

 like the sky lark, the shelter of a turf : 

 the nest is composed of withered grass, 

 fibrous roots, with a few hairs, or a little 

 wool, by way of lining, the whole being 

 but a shallow and indifferent structure. 



MANAGEMENT OF THE YOUNG 

 BIRDS. 



The wood lark being a very delicate bird, 

 the young ones ought not to be taken till 

 they are well fledged, as they are subject 

 to the croop and scouring when they 

 are young: put them in a small wicker 

 basket, with a little clean soft hay, and 

 cover them over to keep them warm, feed^ 

 ing them every two hours with sheep's 

 heart, or any other lean meat; hard boiled 

 egg, a little bread, and some bruised hemp 



