Ba Lane PASSERES. ALAUDA. 223 
Upon the approach of wimter, Larks begin to collect in 
immense flocks, quitting the more elevated parts of the coun- 
try, where they were dispersed during the breeding season, 
and resorting to the coasts, and more southern cultivated dis- 
tricts of our island. At this season they are fat; and being 
considered a delicacy, are in consequence taken in great quan- 
tities, by nets and other devices. From the neighbourhood 
of Dunstable, vast numbers are annually sent to the London 
market, where, at the present period, they produce from 3s. 
to 4s. per dezen.—The food of the Lark consists of grain Food. 
and other seeds; but, in the summer, it also obtains insects 
and worms. It walks and runs with facility, and does not 
use the hopping motion.—Its flight is easy and undulating, 
and is very unlike that of the Pipits, which were till lately 
associated with this genus. It is reared in confinement with- 
out much difficulty, and sings almost throughout the year. 
A piece of fresh turf is usually placed in the cage, and occa- 
sionally renewed, on which it takes its station, anid from 
whence it pours forth its melodious song. 
pees 50. Fig. 1. Natural size. 
Bull brownish-black, with the base of the lower mandible General 
ochreous-yellow. The feathers upon the crown rather ern 
elongated, and capable of being erected at pleasure ; 
their colour brownish-black, margined with pale yellow- 
ish-brown. Hind part of the head pale brocoli-brown. 
Upper parts of the body yellowish-brown, with the cen- 
ters of the feathers darker. Above the eye is a yellow- 
ish-white streak. Cheeks pale yellowish-brown. Breast 
pale wood-brown, spotted with brownish-black; the 
middle white, with a reddish-brown tinge. ‘Tail brown, 
the outer feather having the tip and exterior web white ; 
the next with the outer eb only white. Legs yellow- 
ish-brown; paler in young specimens. Claws wood- 
brown; the hind claw very long, and slightly curved. 
The female is similar to the male bird. 
