SWALLOWS. 531 



object that will reflect the sun's rays, in a field, concealing him- 

 self in its neighbourhood. The Larks, attracted by the light, 

 come within reach of his blows, and fall around the mirror, 

 undismayed by the fate of their companions. 



In this family the only species which lives in confinement is 

 the Sky-lark, and that only by very great care. It sings un- 

 ceasingly in a cage, and even imitates the song of other birds. 

 Larks are found all over the Old World, especially in Europe 

 and Asia. The principal species are the Sky-lark (Alauda 

 arvensis), the Crested Lark {Alauda cristata), the Wood Lark 

 {Alauda arborea), and the Shore Lark {Alauda alpestris). 



The Crested Lark {Alauda cristata), Fig. 239, aboimds on the 

 continent of Europe, but is rare in this country, one or two 

 specimens only being recorded. It is migratory, moving north- 

 ward in spring, and again toward the south on the approach 

 of winter. It is a handsome bird, about the size and appear- 

 ance of the Sky-lark, having a few feathers on the crown forming 

 a crest pointing backwards. 



FiSSIROSTRES. 



The Fissirostral Passerince are characterised by a broad, short 

 bill, flattened horizontally, and slightly hooked ; mandibles slightly 

 concave; mouth very wide. They are essentially insectivorous. They 

 comprehend three genera : — 1. Swallows {Hirundo). 2. House 

 Martins {Chelidon). 3. Sand Martins {Cotyle). 



The Swallows are recognisable by their long pointed wings, 

 forked tail, and excessively short tarsi. The air is the true 

 element of these birds ; they fly with a facility, lightness, and 

 rapidity quite iuconceivable ; indeed, their existence is one eternal 

 flight. They even feed their young on the wing when the latter 

 first begin to fly. Watch them in the air, and they will be seen to 

 rise and fall, tracing the shortest curves, crossing and interlacing 

 each other's course, moderating their pace suddenly when at their 

 utmost speed in order to follow the eccentric course of some winged 

 insect which they have doomed for their food. Such, indeed, is the 

 rapidity of their progress that some of the species have been known 

 to travel at the rate of thirty leagues an hour. 



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