74 THE WOOD LARK. 



cart-way, or where the earth has been lately 

 turned up. The last season for taking 

 wood larks is in January, when they are 

 also caught with a clap net. The birds 

 taken at this time are stouter, and will 

 sing sooner and louder than those caught 

 in September, though nothing near so long 

 in the year. 



The birds taken at the different seasons, 

 must all be fed alike, with hemp seed 

 bruised, and mixed with bread and egg 

 chopped very small ; and as they will be 

 rather shy at first, it will be better to scat- 

 ter a little of their food on the bottom of 

 the cage, which will induce them to take to 

 it sooner than they would when it is kept 

 in their pan. 



When tame, this bird must be managed 

 the same as the sky lark, except that he 

 will want a perch, and will require no 

 turf; instead of which a little red gravel 

 may be scattered over the bottom of his 

 cage ; when unwell, the gravel may be 

 changed for ants' mould, with the ants in 

 it, which is the most agreeable live food 

 that you can give him ; a few meal worms, 



